Background:
My parents, originally from Brooklyn, NY, moved to New Jersey in late ’69. I was born in Perth Amboy, NJ, and grew up in central New Jersey in a place called Twin Rivers, New Jersey's first planned subdivision.

A big hit for parents and kids alike, it was truly a magical place to grow up. When I think back, I always had that entrepreneurial spirit…even as a kid. Growing up during the 70’s gas crisis, I remember earning money by riding my bike to the convenience store for people who were stuck in line to buy gas. In 5th grade, I sold firecrackers to classmates for the 4th of July (let’s just say that NJ isn’t friendly towards fireworks). I was the kid with the lemonade stand. Thankfully, my dad, an amazing business man and sales person himself, saw this in me. And, as high school started coming to an end, he suggested that I go to college for Marketing. I was never much of a student through high school. I didn’t really do my homework or pay much attention, but my teachers loved me and I made lots of life-long friends. However, I realized my attitude towards education needed to change. So, my dad's suggestion sounded pretty good. Actually, I really had no other plans and only applied to two colleges.

Anyway, I was lucky enough that Johnson & Wales University accepted me. That school, with its trimester, its 4-day week, and its upside-down curriculum, was just what I needed. By my junior year, I had finally figured out that you can learn AND have fun. For the first time, I was enjoying learning. In the end, I graduated with a 3.25, and learned tons about the craft of marketing/advertising.

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