The Mule might be the G.O.A.T
You might not have heard of Anthony Constantino but chances are you saw his neon ‘Vote for Trump’ sign all over social media and in the press. I wasn’t expecting our conversation to be so much fun but quickly learned he prides himself on the happy work environment he has created. Sticker Mule employees 1,200 people and serves 5 million customers. When I first heard about Sticker Mule I thought the mule part was a nod to the Democratic Party and he was somehow a New York convert. Turns out he named it after a beloved family donkey. Y’all know I love small town life and the cast of characters that come from a Mayberry type setting. Amsterdam, New York seems to fit the bill. A quiet town of about 18,000 situated along the Mohawk River roughly 30 miles from Albany.
My first question to Mr. Constantino was, “What prompted you to create this sign?” Like so many he sprung into action after the first assassination attempt. He told me his 'Vote for Trump’ sign “symbolizes the return of Manufacturing to America and the end of Anti-Trump bullying.” Not only did he create a great sign, but he also spun the momentum into StickerPAC, an innovative political action committee that gave away millions of stickers with happy, uplifting messages in support of Trump. Those stickers made their way to my desk and inspired me to dig deeper.
Anthony and I have so much in common as neither of us had any political ambitions but felt moved by a higher calling to do what is right and just. The moment his sign went up it gained lots of attention from the typically blue state, even though his county is rather conservative. This triggered the Mayor, Michael Cinquanti, to try to have the sign taken down citing all sorts of disturbances. The Mayor then illegally blocked the streets and stopped the firework show above the sign on election night. Constantino is now suing him. I’ll keep y’all posted on that outcome. Meanwhile, an organic movement in Amsterdam has seen yard signs going up claiming that ‘Cinquanti Sucks’ angering the mayors wife and causing her to door knock in hopes of having the signs removed. You can’t make this stuff up!
Since Trump was elected, a local congress woman, Elise Stefanik, has been tapped to be the US Ambassador to the UN leaving New York’s 21st congressional district seat open. Elise went to high school with Anthony and is impressive in her own right. She was elected at age 30 making her the first woman and the youngest person to hold the seat. The county chairs will select the new nominee and Mr. Constantino hopes to be the pick. Not wanting to drain the party funds for his personal political run, he privately invested $2.6 Million into his campaign. This dollar amount is the exact appreciation of the Tesla stock he purchased when Elon bought Twitter. Roger Stone has even given his blessing for the run and I really hope he gets the seat. These are the kinds of people we need fired up and wanting to get involved in politics.
Our conversation turned to Kennedy and the MAHA Movement. Anthony shared with me that during covid lockdowns he purchased the community gym and moved it to an old building he bought and had refurnished for the new fitness center. Naming it what else, Mule Fitness. “I’m a pro boxer but I’m getting older now, I can’t fight in the ring anymore so I like the political fight.” says Anthony.
Much like California people are leaving New York and Anthony hopes to bring that energy and enthusiasm back to his home state. Sticker Mule even has plans to expand to Gaffney, South Carolina in the Meadow Creek Industrial Park. His new factory is projected to be an $18 Million Dollar project and will employee roughly 50 locals. Jobs that I know are needed in the area. Thank you Anthony for fighting the good fight I cannot wait to see what is next from you.
