I am 39 years old and grew up in Bethlehem Pennsylvania until the age of 25 where I moved to the Hanover MD area for a job. I eventually made my way north up to Bel Air where I have been ever since. I am the first generation in my family to be born here in the United States and the first member of my family to own a successful business. My family is originally from Puerto Rico. I am a serial entrepreneur, landlord, and also race cars semiprofessionally.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I used to work heavily in the automotive industry before doing what I do now. I did everything from working on cars, selling cars, and selling parts. A past friend of mine decided to open a martial arts school in Abingdon and asked if I wanted to come in and help teach some classes. I have been training in martial arts since the age of 6 so of course I said yes. I did it for free at the time. Eventually after about a year, he didn’t want to own the school anymore and asked if I wanted to take it over. At first I was hesitant but then agreed. I started with about 20 students and now the rest is history. That’s the story of how Empire Dojo was founded. I think what I love most about what I do is seeing my students change into completely different people as time goes on. The shy ones are no longer shy. The ones that lack self confidence are now confident and so on. The ones that had no friends now have tons of friends and are now social butterflies. Also, I would say being able to form a community inside of a community. Families and long term friendships are made at my academy all the time.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Fuji Sushi, Looneys, Barrett’s on the Pike, Thai Spice, Sizzling Bombay, The Orient
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived in Harford County for about 12 years now and I have lived in Bel Air for about 10 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I would have to say my friend Paul Majewski. He is the owner of Chesapeake Shredding and Bumble Junk. He is also a serial entrepreneur and a full-time family man. I don’t know how he gets everything done.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Favorite movie of all time would have to be Bloodsport. Favorite TV Show would have to be Mad Men
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Nothing worth having is ever easy to obtain. Work hard and be committed to finishing whatever you start. Also, the universe does not owe you anything. It’s your job to give back to the universe in a positive way. You will be rewarded when you’re giving and expect nothing in return.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Fuji Sushi is one of my favorite businesses in Bel Air. Everyone there is family to me and they treat me like family. You won’t find a better sushi restaurant in Bel Air. The food and customer service are A+++++
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?
Vince McMahon. He came from nothing and built a billion-dollar business. I would love to pick his brain on business. My first choice would be Fuji Sushi.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Bel air reminds me of my hometown I grew up in. There are a lot of similarities.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Hopefully still doing business in Harford County. I would like to have a Florida winter home. I’ll be honest, I’m not a huge fan of all 4 seasons we get up here.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am a pretty open book so there’s not much that my closest friends and family members don’t know about me. If anything, I would have to say I am a professional wrestling fan. But most know that about me anyway.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Not sure what to put here? Lol
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My closest friends and family.
Q: What community service or volunteer work do you participate in for your local community?
Toys for Tots, K9 Rescue adoption events, self-defense instruction to local community groups, anti-bully seminars to public and private schools.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Peace, Family, Happiness.
