Joseph Semprevivo is an American business executive who founded Joseph's Lite Cookies, an international food product company. [1] [2] [3] [4] He is also the author of Madness, Miracles, Millions, the story of his family's success. [5]
Semprevivo has appeared on Fox News and Fox Business to discuss tax policy. [6] [7] He is also a regular op-ed columnist and his writings have appeared in the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Examiner. [8] [9] [10] In March 2019, Semprevivo testified before the U.S. Congress about social security. [11]
Joseph Semprevivo is a member of the Job Creators Network. [12]
Semprevivo is the son of Lawrence and Jo-Marie Semprevivo. [13] Before he was born, Semprevivo's father nearly lost his arm in a printing press machine accident, which disabled him and impoverished the family. [3] At age nine, Semprevivo was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. This disease eventually inspired him to launch Joseph's Lite Cookies. [3] [14]
At age 17, Semprevivo was presented the American Success Award by President George H.W. Bush in a White House ceremony. [15] Semprevivo graduated first in his class at Florida International University, receiving The Directors Award, The Best Student Award and The Leadership Award. [16]
Semprevivo was appointed by Governor Richardson and Governor Martinez to be Economic Development Commissioner for the State of New Mexico. He served in the role for 12 years. [17]
In 2004, Joseph's Lite Cookies received the New Mexico Governor's VIVA (Vision, Investment, Vitality, Action) Award as well as the American Tasting Institute Award, Quality Hero Award, and the Superior Product Award. [18] That same year, Semprevivo was awarded the Best Executive award from the Stevie Awards. [19]
In 2013, Semprevivo and his father published Madness, Miracles, Millions. [5] He is married with eight children. [20]
Semprevivo received a Bachelors of Business Administration from New Mexico State University, [21] as well as a Masters of Science in International Real Estate from Florida International University. [22] On top of his cookie business, Semprevivo is also a professor of finance, real estate, and insurance [23] at Indian River State College. [24]
Joseph's Lite Cookies bakes more than 12 million sugar-free cookies a day. The company also produces sugar-free pancake syrup and other food products. [1] The cookies became a regularly scheduled item on QVC for six consecutive years. [13] [25] His first day on air, Semprevivo sold 3.6 million cookies. [26]
Semprevivo has won several awards for Madness, Miracles, Millions, including: