Peter Volny is the founder and Chairman Emeritus for one of Phoenix Children’s biggest fundraising events, Concours in the Hills, taking place on Feb. 15. Learn about Peter Volny…
Follow at: @concoursinthehills; @friendsofpch
Hometown: I was born in a country that no longer exists, Czechoslovakia, so I’m a canceled Czeck. I left when I was four months old as my parents escaped communism, but I grew up in Australia. After leaving college, I worked in England and Canada before moving here in 2004.
First job: My first job was selling pajamas in a department store in Sydney when I was in college. I could sleep on the job.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in AZ: My favorite way to spend free time here is doing anything with my best friend—my wife of 45 years. We hike, dine out, attend many car events, and enjoy traveling internationally. We aim to see every country worldwide (currently at 161), with another 17 already booked.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: Helping make Concours in the Hils the premier car show in Arizona and raising impactful money for Phoenix Children’s.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: The biggest obstacle I’ve had to overcome was childhood cancer, but since I’m still here at age 78, it proves the saying that only the good die young.
Someone who inspires you and why: I’m blessed to have several friends here who truly inspire me with their talent and good nature, but unfortunately, I don’t have either quality.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Do what you love doing; then, you won’t even know you’re working.
Favorite quote: “Just do it.”—Nike.
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I think even my best friends would be surprised to learn that I did get an education and can read and write.
What makes someone fabulous is being honest, kind, caring, diligent, and patriotic.