Where were you born, education/degrees or associations/board seats? I was born in Teaneck, New Jersey. I don't know where the accent went, though. I don't ever recall having one. My parents sure do! I graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh with a degree in business administration and graphic communications management.
What did you want to be when you grew up? Probably a paleontologist. I went to school originally for architecture. Definitely not the guy who sits in meetings all day.
Name of company & position, or your very first job? Owner, Burntcow MediaWorks.
Family? I have one. Been married to Jenn almost 14 years. 2 kids - Declan, a 10 year old and Rowan, a 7 year old. We have a new dog, Tonka. He's great.
Interests/hobbies/last book read/favorite movie/what’s playing in on your car’s stereo/pastimes? I like the outdoors, exploring new things and places, large internal combustion engines, and the black and gold. Policy interests me, but politics don't. Music depends on the moment in time (and whether kids are in the car), I like a lot of different things, but usually always loud. Let's say Beastie Boys right this second. Sadly, I can't remember the last book I read that was intended for my age bracket, but there is a pile waiting for me to get around to them. Damn internet ...
Best business decision, or hardest business decision? Going out on my own.
Biggest career accomplishment/highlight to date, or what do you like best about your job? Seeing my team's work in a Super Bowl commercial was pretty badass.
Most important lesson that you've learned in business? Relationships matter.
Career mentor/favorite words of wisdom/role model? “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
Most memorable Rotary moment or event? Setting Pukaite Woods on fire with Tom Aranow.
I thought I would pass along opportunities to join in on two great events:
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