I’m the youngest of seven children and I grew up in Price Hill, attending St. William’s Elementary School in Price Hill (1976) and then Western Hills High School (1980). I attended the University of Cincinnati and graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering. After marrying my high school sweetheart, we moved to Westwood to buy our first home and begin our family. Our “five-year”, starter house has been our home for twenty-eight years now. We love our house, our neighbors, and our little treelined street. Westwood truly is the place to live, work, worship, and play. We love it here. Like our parents, Sue and I could not sit on the sidelines for long and began to volunteer in our church and the community. In 2010 I brought together a group of concerned citizens and pitched the idea of starting an Asset Based Community Development group. Our first project was to help bring an Artworks Mural to Westwood. We had so much fun with that first proejct that we decided to keep bringing people together to make Westwood more inclusive, diverse, connected, and thriving. Eleven years later, Westwood Works is still going strong and so is our commnity.
Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I married my high school sweetheart thirteen years after we graduated high school. My wife, Sue Frey is a lifelong Westwoodian. We have two daughters, Jane and Anna. Jane works for 84.51 and Anna just graduated nursing school at Bellarmine University.
Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I’m an electrical engineer by trade and work as a project manager in the Government Division at KZF Design. My clients include the Air Force, Army and the United States Navy. I love working for America’s military. I also love mentoring young engineers.
What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
If you’ve not been to Ivory House for brunch you have no idea what you are missing. Nation Kitchen – Westwood serves up a delicious burger and you can enjoy it with locally brewed beer from West Side Brewery.
How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I’ve lived on the Westside for my entire life. I grew up in Price Hill and then moved to Westwood.
Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I’d have to give that honor to two people – Rick Pouliot and Frank Eversole. The dynamic duo of Westwood. These guys are the poster children “investing in your community”. They truly live, work and play in Westwood.
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Ireland. Who wouldn’t want to tromp the same ground as Saint Patrick, James Joyce, Bono and Trooper Thorton?
What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
The Walking Dead.
What advice would you give to people?
Gosh, where to start? Get involved in your local community. Volunteer for something. Travel. See how others live. Experience their traditions. Eat their food. Broaden your view of the world outside of the Westside.
What is something on your bucket list?
To hitch a ride in the B21. Might never happen but a guy can dream.
What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
The Beatles. I was a young lad when the Beatles stormed America.
What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
St Lawrence Bakery in Price Hill.
If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
I’d like to have lunch with Pete Buttigieg. His story fascinates me. I’d take Pete to Nation Westwood for a burger and brew. Then I’d drive him over the Western Hills Viaduct and explain why this is vital to the Westside of Cincinnati.
What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Madcap Puppets. My friend, Jerry Handorf created Madcap and chose Westwood to be it’s home. I’m glad we were able to keep it in Westwood.
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Good question. In 10 years I’ll be closing in on retirement. Perhaps, another city council run?
What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I was voted “Outstanding Catholic Boy of the Year” in 1980 for the Archdioceses of Cincinnati. I was the Archdiocesan President for CYO.
What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Folley Beach, South Carolina. Hands down.
Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
May – flowers a in full bloom. it’s a tie, Halloween and Christmas. October 2nd, our wedding day.
What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Putz’s ice cream.
Who inspires you to be better?
My wife and children.
What is one or two of your favorite smells?
I love the smell of a family picnic. Burgers and dogs on the grill.
Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Home is wherever my family is. Dartmouth Drive neighbors.
