1.     Where did you grow up? Where did you go to college?

I was born in Queens, NY but lived most of my child hood in Freehold, NJ.  I went to Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ.  Go Scarlet Knights!

2.      When did you join Bobby Jones Links and why?

‍
I joined Bobby Jones Links in 2005 when there were only five clubs in the portfolio.  I was fortunate to work for Steve Willy and a few other Bobby Jones Links team members in the late 1990’s and when a position came open in Georgia, I knew that the work ethic and family-first culture was a good fit for me.

3.     What are your passions in life outside of work?

‍
1. My family.  As I’ve gotten older, I have a big appreciation for quality family time and seeing my kids grow up.  

2. Since I’m in the car a lot, I have grown to be a podcast addict.  I’m a better learner today, than I was as a kid.  

3. Naps.  Don’t underestimate a good nap!    

4.     What do you enjoy most about the club business? What made you want to get into this business?

‍
I truly enjoy the relationships and the team environment.  I get to work with so many smart, hard-working individuals where our office is acres of green grass.  I got into the business because I realized that you can’t make any money shooting 80! I wanted to stay near golf and luckily had many great breaks along the way that led me to the management side of the business.  

5.     Who inspires you in your life and why?

‍
My parents will always be an inspiration to me. Two hard working people who came to America in 1972 with nothing but an education and succeeded!  

6.     What’s the craziest thing you have ever done?

‍
I don’t do crazy things.  Once I tried the McRib.  That was crazy and risky at the same time.

‍

‍

7.     You’re big on leadership, relationships, and people? Why are those three things important to you and important to a company?

‍
You’re right.  I am big on leadership.  I’m not big on management.  They are very different.  A great leader is like a coach.  They are always teaching, training and rooting for their associates. A great leader builds personal relationships.  Not impersonal ones.  A great leader takes the time to cultivate their associates to become future leaders. When you become a leader, the business will win because team members will have faith and trust in the direction you are taking them.  It’s the front line staff, in most businesses, that move the needle.  They move the needle based on how they are treated. They move the needle based on how they are led, not managed.  In fact, all Department Heads should change their title from “Department Manager” to “Department Coach”.  

8.     What is your favorite movie?

‍
I don’t have a favorite movie, but my family will tell you that if these movies come on TV, I will stop and watch the entire thing:  Goodfellas, Gladiator, Braveheart, The Sound of Music, and My Fair Lady.  Thanks to my Ma, I have an appreciation for musicals.

9.     If you could have one superpower, what would you choose?
‍

The power to eat bad food and stay healthy.

10.  What’s on your bucket list?

‍
Playing Augusta National with my Dad and giving a Ted Talk. Maybe I’ll get lucky to do the first one.  Maybe I’ll earn the second one.

‍