ORLANDO, FL, October 21, 2020 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Tony Pennisi has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
After early retiring in 2012 due to Lyme disease, Mr. Pennisi was encouraged to return to the field of business upon developing a new product. In 2015, he founded Illuminated Sport Balls in Paradise, California, which offers light-up toys and sports items. Prior to his retirement, he successfully owned and operated Big Paw Grub, an olive oil and vinegar company specializing in wild, foraged foods, which received its name from his basset hound. While on a hike in the mountains, Mr. Pennisi's dog sniffed out a trove of wild sage, which he subsequently utilized in his wild sage olive oil. Big Paw Grub was a direct marketing company that operated at over 40 certified farmers markets throughout California and Arizona.
While working at the Folie a Deux Winery as an event coordinator and tasting room manager, Mr. Pennisi developed the category of flavored balsamic vinegars that has been widely copied in the marketplace in the years since. In a career filled with highlights, he is especially proud of creating varying flavors for all of his products. By hunting and foraging for mushrooms, herbs, olives, fruits and other natural ingredients, he crafted a wide range of delectable products, including smoked ketchup, wild sage olive oil and wild porcini olive oil. Throughout his career, Mr. Pennisi has also obtained patents for an improved game footbag, chambered inflatables and an improved trekking pole.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Pennisi honed his expertise in business as the owner of Proton Footbags Inc., a sporting goods company which he founded and wrote the patent while at the College of Marin. Patents were approved in 27 countries and he founded the Japanese Footbag Association in Tokyo in partnership with the Kintetsu Corporation and later transferred production to Taiwan. Prior to founding Proton Footbags, Mr. Pennisi developed his palette as the maître d' hotel for Emile's Swiss Affair and the Mark West Lodge. While operating Big Paw Grub in Napa Valley, he became an organic grower and producer who was licensed to work with wild herbs and mushrooms through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in California. Additionally, he remains affiliated with the Specialty Food Organization and several county food markets. Outside of his primary responsibilities, he dedicates his time and resources to the CALDA as well as to mentoring young employees. In the near future, Mr. Pennisi intends to continue long distance backpacking across the country.
About Marquis Who's Who®
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Today, Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. Marquis® now publishes many Who's Who titles, including Who's Who in America®, Who's Who in the World®, Who's Who in American Law®, Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare®, Who's Who in Science and Engineering®, and Who's Who in Asia®. Marquis® publications may be visited at the official Marquis Who's Who® website at www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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