On June 7, Janet Felosky, Monroe Tractor CEO, was inducted into SUNY Canton’s Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Alumni. She was recognized for her accomplishments in business and leadership alongside seven other recipients. She received this accolade with her husband Greg Felosky and son Chris Felosky at her side.
“With each Hall of Fame induction, we are reminded of the impressive accomplishments of SUNY Canton alumni and friends,” said Vice President for Advancement Anne M. Sibley. “This year we will celebrate alumni who have built substantial businesses, professors who helped start the college’s first four-year program, and an engineer who worked on all of the Apollo space missions.”
It will come as no surprise that her bio shows her years of dedication to Monroe Tractor, its employees and customers.
Janet Felosky ’70 – Naples, NY
Janet is President and CEO of Monroe Tractor, a Rochester-based company that her father, Henry Hansen, founded in 1951. Monroe is an agriculture and construction dealership that specializes in selling and renting heavy equipment as well as providing the parts and service support for the industry.
Monroe Tractor began in a small 30- by 40-foot cinder block building in Henrietta NY and over the last 68 years has grown to a 13-location dealership covering NY, CT, MA and RI. Locations, in order of infancy are, Henrietta NY, Batavia NY, Canandaigua NY, Buffalo NY, Adams Center NY, Syracuse NY, Auburn NY, Albany NY, Campbell NY, Worcester MA, Woburn MA, Hartford CT and Middlebury VT. Under Henry’s guidance and Janet’s leadership this growth was made possible. Henry set the foundation for the business and Janet built from it.
Janet was one of five sisters and always knew that she wanted to be a part of the business. She attended Canton and finished her education earning a BBA from Kent State University. In 1972, after graduating, she returned back to Henrietta NY to begin her career at Monroe Tractor. Janet did not start in the corner office, but rather in shipping and receiving, working her way up through parts and service then into her niche, accounting. Even with her education, she knew that she would need to know all facets of the business to grow personally and down the road, lead the company.
In 1990 after sudden death of Monroe Tractor’s President, Janet took on that position and has been serving as President since. Janet’s role in a male dominated industry did not let it affect her. In fact, her knowledge, tenacity and grit has earned her a seat at a lot of tables that used to be all men. Janet is regarded as one of the top female executives in the industry. She currently sits on Dealers Advisory Boards and participates in national dealership consortiums.
In 2013 founder Henry Hansen stepped down from his role as CEO and Janet moved into that role filling big shoes. Sadly, Henry passed away in 2014 which fueled Janet’s desire to make Monroe Tractor the best legacy it could be. Up until that date, Monroe was a strong 10 location dealership and certified Women Business Enterprise in NYS. Always looking for opportunities to grow, Janet came across one that was best for the company and in 2017 acquired a dealership in the New England market. Since they have added 4 locations in New England and have been recognized as a Women Business Enterprise in MA.
Janet’s hard work has been instrumental in the company’s success, but she will tell you it’s not because of her but the people who represent Monroe. “We wouldn’t be anything without good people. Employees doing what is right for each other and doing what’s right for our customers is what makes us successful. As my father always said, ‘where courtesy dwells service excels’ and that is the foundation of who we are.”
When Janet isn’t working, she spends time with her husband Greg Felosky gardening, boating, golfing, exercising and enjoying her family. She has three children, Chris Felosky, Laura Wilkas and Kim Sullivan and seven grandchildren. “I am lucky to have had the successes I have within the organization but luckier to have a happy and healthy family that supports me.” Janet’s two children, Chris and Laura are also part of the company, leading as third generation of the family business.
