I am 42 yrs old and have lived in Westwood all my life. My parents still live in the same house I was raised in. I have been married for 16 years to Allison and we have 2 great kids, Emily and Andrew. I have twin brothers (40) and a sister (36). I graduated from Walnut Hills HS in 97. I have always been a big sports guy! I love basketball, baseball, and football. I started the basketball program at Dater Montessori School 6 years ago when Andrew was in the 1st grade because he “wanted to play basketball at his school.” The program took off. We had 200+ kids and 18 teams during the 19-20 season. We have a youth preschool to 2nd grade league and 3rd-6th grade league. I’ve coached 16 different teams in the 5 years between both leagues. I have also coached my son’s baseball team for 6 years now. Allison volunteers for the Ohio Hound Rescue and we foster dogs. We have fostered 6 dogs until they found their forever home. I currently own 3 dogs and we have an additional 2 fosters in my house.
Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Allison and I have been married for 16 years. Our daughter Emily (17) is a junior at Clark Montessori and our son Andrew (11) is in the 6th grade at Dater Montessori.
Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have worked for the electrical union IBEW Local 212 for the past 11 years. I really enjoy working in the construction trade because it’s very prideful work. Watching something being transformed is really cool and it is rewarding to be part of it. I’ve been fortunate to work on great buildings like Music Hall, Union Terminal, UC, XU, Miami U and so many more.
What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Recently, we have been eating at Nation Kitchen and Bar. Their burgers are great! I only live a couple blocks from Ivory House and Muse Cafe and we visit them regularly. I also really like Maury’s Tiny Cove , but I can’t stand up straight in the lower level (it has a very low ceiling)!!
How long have you lived or worked in our community?
All my life . . 42 years
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
A couple places come to mind. My wife has family in Jacksonville FL, a really fun city with a beach. My sister lives in Tuscan AZ and one of my brothers live in Astoria OR. Maybe go visit them
What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My son and I are both Marvel fans so any of those shows or movies.
I usually watch ESPN – I’ll watch any game.
What advice would you give to people?
I tell the kids I coach to have confidence in themselves. Its hard to swing the bat or shoot a shot if you don’t believe you can make it. Being nervous/anxious before your games is always a good thing. It means you care.
What is something on your bucket list?
I’d love to go to New Orleans. I think it would be really cool – or take a tour of some of the different baseball stadiums across the country.
What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Depends on the mood . . Red Hot Chili Peppers, Incubus, Foo Fighters. Billy Joel, The Eagles.
What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Wondercade! It reminds me of walking to Doc Holidays or the arcade in the Western Woods Mall when I was a kid with a pocket full of quarters!
If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why?
I really enjoy coaching so probably a local HS coach. Just to sit down and talk shop. Sometimes the best way to learn is to just listen.
What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love Westwood’s Second Saturdays. I think its a great way for the community to get out and meet each other.
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Still in Westwood, healthy, and surrounded by our good friends.
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’ve collected baseball, basketball cards for around 30 yrs. I’ve coached 23 different teams (baseball/basketball) in 6 seasons.
What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
In HS I went to London and Paris.
Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
My birthday is in March and college basketball March Madness is the best!
Also, I am a big fan of Christmas, we usually get together with family all day.
What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My wedding day.
The day each of my kids were born.
I had a couple of kids play for me for at least a year before they scored a basket and there is nothing better than the feeling you get for them when they finally do get a bucket
Who inspires you to be better?
My wife, definitely. She is a very driven person and balances being a wife, mother and professional everyday. My kids help keep me stay grounded and remind me what’s important in life
What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Fresh coffee and just baked cookies.
Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
My family, relaxing, and all my dogs!!
