Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am married to Courtney Diaz for 10 years now – she is an occupational therapist and also works with youth. I have two sons Cornelius and Joshua- who are active in Mahwah youth sports.

Q: Please tell us about your current career. What do you love most about what you do?
I love building relationships with young people and seeing them go on to be successful in life after they leave Mahwah HS.  My mom and my coaches are the reason why I chose this career path.  I started volunteering as a coach with Jeff Remo who along with my mom encouraged me to go pursue my education.  So that’s what I did, I got my teaching degree and went on to get my masters in exercise science.

Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
La Gondola Pizza and Mahwah Bar & Grill

Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I’ve lived in Mahwah since 1997, prior to that I lived in Fair Lawn.

Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Jeff Remo!  He is a mahwah lifer, he is the most accomplished person I’ve ever met with so many accolades in the athletic field as a player and as a coach!  He played a critical role in my life and so many others.  To this day he is one of my mentors!

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Hawaii – Always wanted to learn how to surf!  I don’t like the crazy busy touristy type of vacation so I want to go and just be in a calm place where I can recharge.

Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Movie- Rocky TV show- Diners Drive ins and Dives

Q: What advice would you give to people?
Proverbs 3: 5-6  “Trust in The Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight”

Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Drive a Winnebago all over the US and attend a bunch of college and pro sporting events.

Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?   
Mahwah Bar & Grill, it’s such a staple in our community.  I know the family that owns it and I actually worked as a bar-back when I was younger.  Some of the menu items are named after some of it community members that have made a difference within the community.

Q: 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 y’all meet for this lunch?
I would choose Tony Dungy, he has a great story. I read his book and believe that he was a great leader, successful in different careers, is a great family man, dealt with lots of adversity, and continues to impact people’s lives in positive ways. I’d have to take him to La Gondola for some great pizza!

Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
We are in a great location. You can get to Upstate NY, anywhere in North Jersey and even New york city in a short amount of time.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Still working with young people (coaching and teaching) and raising a family. I’m not cut out to do much else.

Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
My father is a jazz musician but I can’t play an instrument or sing to save my life.

Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Los Roques, its an island in Venezuela, my dad’s side of the family is from Venezuela.

Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
July – Christmas- Easter Sunday

Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Jesus Christ

Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Leather interior of a new car and My wife’s cooking

Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, Rest, Blessed