I grew up in Sloatsburg, NY and graduated from Suffern High School in 1998. I attended King’s College (PA) and played football (although I wasn’t very good lol). While in college, I was a Personal Trainer at New York Sports Club in Nanuet, NY and where I met my wife, Jennifer. After college, I worked at the National Basketball Association (NBA) in various roles. For most of my tenure, I was Manager of NBA Photos, Footage and Licensing. In that role, I oversaw all photography that was shot with the teams and players as well license any NBA footage that was needed for third party uses. You may wonder what that means well let me explain. If a network or studio wanted to incorporate the NBA into their tv show or programming, they would reach out to me for assistance with clearance. Working for the NBA was an awesome experience as it gave me the opportunity to travel around the world and meet interesting people. Feel free to reach out to me for some great stories lol. In addition to working at the NBA, I continued to work as a personal trainer at various gyms in the area and various time periods. With my background in fitness, I always tried to pass along my knowledge to those who wanted.
My wife and I moved to Mahwah in 2015 and it was the best decision ever made. The people of this community are incredible! Over the years you may have seen or met me while coaching flag football, soccer, basketball or baseball. Currently, I work under Jim Kloster as the Rec basketball Commissioner.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am married to Jennifer Wright, and she is the owner of Jennifer Wright Photography. She is also very active in the community with Girl Scouts and other activities around town. I have a son Peyton (9) who is in third grade and daughter Parker (7) in first grade.
Q: Please tell us about your current career. What do you love most about what you do?
Currently I am working for the brand management company, Authentic Brands Group, and in particular Sports Illustrated. In my role, I find ways to promote and create revenue from the incredible archive of SI. Also, I try to find new revenue streams using the SI brand, name and likeness.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Nonnas, Roxannes, Nagoya, Novino
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I Moved to Mahwah in 2015 and love it!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
So many great people but if I had to choose, I would say Rob Ferguson, Brett Coplin, Jim Kloster and Tom Murphy. They live and breathe Mahwah and are a great representation of the community! We should have t-shirts made up for them stating “I am Mahwah!”
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Vietnam. I love the beach, history, culture and food. My trip could include sitting on a beautiful beach in the morning, visit historic site or museum in afternoon, and have a delicious meal at night. Also, I could have great conversation before and after the trip with my dad, uncles and that generation about the country (I love history).
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Very hard to pick one but here are a few movies – The Naked Gun, Saving Private Ryan, Shawshank Redemption, Jaws, Braveheart. A few TV shows – Seinfeld, Friends, Cheers.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be kind and listen to people.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Sky dive and attend a Super Bowl the New York Giants play in.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
It would depend on my mood at that time lol. I like a variety of music such as Metallica, Maroon 5, Led Zeppelin, Justin Bieber, Pitbull, The Weekend.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I was always curious about the Ford Motor Plant?
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?
Dwight Eisenhower, but only after his Presidency. I think he would be too distracted at any other point in his career, but the depth of stories would be fascinating. A football player at West Point, General of the Army during World War II and President of the United States. What could he not talk about?
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
No matter what your background, everybody is accepted in Mahwah. It’s what makes Mahwah so awesome.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
living in Mahwah, watching my kids grow and maybe still creating rec basketball rosters and schedules lol.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I was an amateur bodybuilder in college and participated in 5 shows. From time to time, I have gotten the itch to do one again, hmmm?
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Like the above questions on movies and music, too many to list. Nice, France would probably be at the top.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
I would summarize with saying the Fall. It is an exciting time with football season, start of school, weather, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years. It’s all downhill after that lol.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Tough question – A cup of coffee from Dunkin donuts at the perfect temperature, with the right amount of milk kidding…kidding. Can’t say I am ever really satisfied?
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My family and especially my father. Growing up no matter the circumstance he would put his kids before anything else. His only goal in life was to make his kids’ lives better and do it in a positive manner. He inspires me to be the best father I can be. I’m lucky enough to see him regularly as he lives close by.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Salty air at the beach, cookies out of the oven, fresh pizza (not microwave though).
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
home sweet home (I know I am original)
