Currie Motors employee wins ‘Tonight Show’ contest

FRANKFORT – Pete Porzio, now nationally known as Frankfort Pete, knew he would win “The Tonight Show” host Jimmy Fallon’s contest.

He said he packed so many clothes for the trip to New York that people were wondering if he was crazy.

“I’m a big competitor,” the Tinley Park resident said. “I’m thinking to myself, I’m from the Windy City. I can do this.”

The sales consultant for Currie Motors Ford was honored at the dealership Wednesday afternoon with a welcome home party, and was presented with a key to the Village of Frankfort by Mayor Jim Holland.

Porzio earned a spot on “The Tonight Show” and sold Fallon a 2015 Ford F-150 last week on air after completing Fallon’s Fingers on a 4x4 contest.

“The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” chose 10 sales consultants from Ford dealerships throughout the country to participate in the challenge, which required the contestants to have at least one hand on the new truck at all times. The truck was sitting on the USS Intrepid and two referees made sure all rules were followed. The last man or woman who continuously kept his or hand on the truck won.

Porzio outlasted nine other sales consultants, keeping his fingers on the truck for 38 hours and 52 minutes. He thanked those who supported him through social media with #FrankfortPete.

“I think I cried a little when they told me I won,” Porzio said. “It was physical, but mentally challenging the whole time.”

Currie Motors Ford management organized a welcome back party for the new local hero and about 50 people came to congratulate Porzio.

“For people of our community, this makes them feel good about the village,” Holland said. “It helps put Frankfort on the map and actually brings in business.”

Park Forest resident Patricia Fedak went to high school in Frankfort and bought her first car at Currie Motors Ford. She came to the party after seeing Porzio on “The Tonight Show.”

“He’s a local celebrity,” Fedak said, adding that she got Porzio’s autograph. “This is as close as I’ll be to Jimmy Fallon.”

Fellow Sales Consultant Sam Sedik said more people have been coming to Currie Motors Ford to ask about Porzio, and he thinks the contest helped the dealership.

“More people have been asking about the 2015 F-150 model,” Sedik said, adding that Pete’s experience and mark as one of the best car salesmen in the nation made him a perfect candidate.

Currie Motors Ford General Manager Jason Latif said when the dealership was deciding who to nominate for the contest, Porzio was a no-brainer choice.

Porzio said he used several techniques to keep himself fit and alert during the time trial. He adhered to his regular habits and diet. Also, unlike his competitors, he kept his hand low on the car to conserve energy.

“This was an unbelievable experience,” Porzio said. “Next to my marriage and my three kids, this was the most memorable part of my life.”