Roger Penske
Chairman
Penske Corporation
Phoenix, AZ USA
“The most important thing is effort—you’re not lucky, you make your own luck.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationRoger Penske
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
He is one of America’s most famous entrepreneurs, best known for his ownership of Team Penske, DJR Team Penske, and the Penske Automotive Group.
In 1951, his dad took him to the Indianapolis 500 race, which first sparked his interest in cars.
At an early age, he started working at a gas station—eventually he began working on engines and taking cars apart.
As a teenager he bought older cars, repaired them and sold them at a profit from his family's home in Cleveland, Ohio.
Says he always wanted to “do more”; emphasizes working hard and putting in an effort to get where you want to go.
Believes his biggest accomplishment has been building a company that has employed over 50,000 people and provided them with “a safe, honest, and high integrity workplace.”
Says he is a natural risk-taker and that it is a common thread throughout the auto industry to continue innovating and pushing things forward.
He has created one of the most successful teams in IndyCar Series and NASCAR racing—has the most victories as an owner in the Indianapolis 500 with 16 owner victories.
Career
Chairman
I am an American entrepreneur involved in professional auto racing.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Action Sports
Engineering
Accomplishing Goals
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
Take school seriously. There will be good days and bad days, but focus on the outcome. No matter what area of this industry you want to go into, a good education will help you get there.
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Parents:
"If you lose this money, I'll have to go back to work. "
Challenges I Overcame
Learning Issues
Interviewed By
Changing Gears
Auto and diesel technician careers
