EVP, Account Services
Name one thing that has always fascinated you.
Extremely talented athletes and musicians have always fascinated me. I love watching the best of the best perform their craft and doing what I can, albeit poorly, to execute as they do when I play sports or drums.
How long have you been able to live off the grid? No e-mail, Internet, electricity, running water, etc.
I am TERRIBLE at this. I always have to be connected – nights, weekends, holidays, etc. It’s required to do my job well for our clients at 919 Marketing. However, I actually did take two weeks off to enjoy an unbelievable wedding and honeymoon experience with my wife in Costa Rica. We spent the first week celebrating our marriage near the pacific coast with a small group of friends and family. Week two was pure serenity – enjoying our honeymoon at a private rainforest resort near the volcano in Arenal. It was wonderful to unplug, but I don’t see it happening again any time soon. Far too many big things to accomplish in the coming years at 919 AND at home. My wife and I are thrilled to be back in NC after five wonderful years in DC. We purchased a new home close to the office and hope to start a family in the coming years. With plenty of work to be done on the new house, and perhaps kids on the way soon, the two-week unplugging record will stand for years!
Who in your life has been the best positive influence on your life?
There are so many great people who have positively impacted my life, but this would have to be my father. He’s my boss, my dad, and my best friend. I owe much of my personal makeup, values, and career to him. Hard to be more influential than that!
What things do you enjoy most in your life?
Family moments – whenever and wherever they happen. They can be as big as a major vacation or once-in-a-lifetime concert with the whole family, or as small as relaxing on the couch for a few moments after a long day with my wife and our dogs. I’m happiest when I can spend quality time with those I love and appreciate most.
Have you ever wanted to trade places with someone else for a day, week, or a lifetime? If so, who was it and why?
I wouldn’t trade my life for anything, but it would be fun to see life through the eyes of a famous athlete or musician for a few days. To narrow it down to one person, I think I’d say Chad Smith, the drummer for the Red Hot Chili Peppers. But only if we can go back to a time when he was younger and playing with John Frusciante, as opposed to Josh Klinghoffer!
What is one thing nobody knows about you because nobody ever cared to ask?
I am probably the only person you know who can play Cake’s “Italian Leather Sofa” on the kazoo. Yes, it’s true, I am a serious kazoo player. Seriously, I have an electric hook-up so I can play the kazoo through an amp. YES! Wait…is that sad? Ok, fine. I know every Mitch Hedberg joke and mimic his voice far too often. Oh, that’s pathetic, too? Welp – that’s all I’ve got.
Name one thing you always wanted to do, but haven’t. What has prevented you from doing it?
Travel the world and visit Asia and Australia. I’ll do this one day, but waiting until I’m celebrating a milestone anniversary with my wife!
What is the one thing you cannot live without?
Coaching. I love doing what I can to be a positive influence in the lives of competitive and ambitious kids who want to become better ball players, and more importantly, better people. I owe so much to those who coached me growing up, so it’s an honor for me to be a role model to the next generation!