Hometown: Stamford, CT
Title/Company:
Chief Operating Officer, JT Asphalt
What's something on your bucket list?
Something on my bucket list would be to earn a Doctoral degree. My MBA will make three graduate level master's degrees (Urban Planning, Sustainability, and MBA), and I would love to go on to receive a terminal degree in the future. My non-academic goal on my bucket list would be to go camping in the woods for about a week without any electronic devices (or at least any connected to the internet). I love being outside and going hiking. I have never been camping for more than one night and think it would be peaceful to get away from the constant barrage of information that is the internet today and be one with nature.
What actor would you cast to play yourself in a movie about yourself and why?
If I were to pick an actor to play myself in a movie about my life, I think it would be Jeffery Wright. He is one of those actors that is very versatile and can play a lot of roles well. Honestly, I just think he is a great actor who does not get as much credit as he deserves. He did an amazing job in “Westworld,” “Batman,” and “The Hunger Games.” His roles in each were at opposite ends of the spectrum. I always enjoy his movies and I know he would make my life seem a lot more interesting than it is. Oh, and he’s already bald like me so that’s a plus!
What's your favorite place you've traveled to and why?
My favorite place that I have travelled to would honestly have to be Lisbon, Portugal. We recently got to experience Portugal as part of our EMBA trip and it was an experience unlike any I’ve had to date. I have never been to a place where you could feel the history seep into your skin and flow to the bone and that’s what I felt from the time we got there until the time we left. I need to go back to Portugal sometime. Hopefully soon!
Favorite family tradition:
My favorite family tradition would have to be wearing the number 32. The number 32 means a lot to me and was my dads’ number when he played sports. I’ve also worn it and so have all my siblings. To me it is a symbol of our family unity. I think I have the best dad in the universe and am proud to be his son every day. Hopefully my future children carry the family number on as well in one form or another. My wife and I also got married on March 20th, 2022, which is 03/20 so our 32 is always there with us. I even wear a necklace with a small pendant of the number 32 on it with me all the time because, although I am not playing sports anymore, I still represent our family number and tradition every day. It is a reminder that I represent more than just myself.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment would have to be leaving an imprint on the people I work with every day. I take pride in doing my job and enjoy coming to work every day with a positive attitude. JT Asphalt is not just a job, but the place I call my second home. The people I work with improving themselves not just in their roles, but at home in their everyday lives as people gives me the most satisfaction.
What did you want to be when you were small?
When I was small, I wanted to be an astronaut. I have always loved the idea of the unknown and venturing places nobody has seen. I always liked exploring new places and honestly still do today. Space would be the ultimate adventure.
What is your latest book recommendation?
My latest book recommendation would be “Good to Great” by Jim Collins.
Your life story in one sentence:
There will be bumps along the road, embrace them when they come, and continue to move forward and learn.
My favorite restaurant in Atlanta:
My favorite restaurant in Atlanta would have to be Negril ATL. It is located right around the corner from Georgia Tech and has some of the best Caribbean food I have ever tasted. I highly recommend eating here. You will not be disappointed!
My favorite comfort food or family recipe:
My favorite comfort food would have to be mac and cheese. Some extra cheesy mac and cheese can solve just about anything in the world.
