Ty Safreno, a community leader who has devoted countless hours toward bettering the overall health, wellbeing and access to care of our community, was named the 2022 Citizen of the Year during the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Dinner on Saturday, January 21, 2023, in front of nearly 600 attendees. This is the Chamber’s most prestigious honor presented at the Annual Dinner in recognition of unparalleled service to the community of San Luis Obispo.
As the founder and CEO of Trust Automation, Safreno’s willingness to impact and better our community through devoting countless hours outside of the workplace has positively affected countless lives in our community. He and his wife, who is also his business partner, have championed family-friendly workplace practices and created a company-owned and operated onsite childcare facility, a national accolade only shared by Patagonia and Google.
Within the community, Safreno has been a leader with many organizations and on numerous boards. His volunteer efforts have included the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce, 4H, Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center, and SLO Partners, among others.
“Ty brightens up any room and has powered our community with his generous support of citywide initiatives and community organizations,” said San Luis Obispo City Manager Derek Johnson. “He leads with his heart and his deep care for people shows up in a unique, intentional and authentic way that makes him a local and industry leader.
A recent example of Safreno’s dedication to our community is his hand in Cal Poly’s Alternative Care Site. At the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, he spent countless hours researching, designing and organizing to pull together the public-private collaboration that brought hundreds more beds to San Luis Obispo in order to relieve local hospitals.
“Ty is generous, big-hearted, and the first one to jump in to solve a problem and make someone’s life better,” said Melissa James, President & CEO of REACH Central Coast. “He gives so much of himself into everything he does, and he makes a lasting imprint on all who have the privilege of working alongside him along the way. Our community is so fortunate to have him helping to make our corner of the world the best it can be.”
A big proponent of the local business community, Safreno regularly encourages his employees to spend time giving back to their community. A founding member of REACH Central Coast, he has proven his dedication to improving economic prosperity for all on the Central Coast.
“From building machines as a child, to building Trust Automation and the ecosystem around it, Ty pours his heart into everything he does,” said Casey Safreno, Ty’s older brother. “He and Trudie have made Trust a cutting-edge, model enterprise while also parenting a wonderful family. They are truly living the American dream and advancing the dreams of so many others.”
When asked why he is involved in so many community programs and initiatives, Safreno always responds with his favorite adage, “Because it is the right thing to do.”
“Looking at the names of past recipients, there are many people I’ve come to know over the past 35 years in this community,” said Safreno after receiving the award. “I’m humbled and honored to be considered among them.”