I’ve been a Harford County resident my entire life. I went to William S James, Bel Air Middle School and then Baltimore School for the Arts for High School as an acting major. I went to the recently closed University of the Arts and earned a BFA in musical theater. I came back to Harford County in 2004 and began working in radio at 103.7 WXCY FM in Havre de Grace and did so for nearly 19 years. I left to become the choral teacher at Bel Air Middle School in January of 2023 and am now the Marketing and Communications Coordinator at Visit Harford. I am the Vice President of Bel Air Baseball, Travel Baseball coach and t ball coach. I am actively involved in the theater community on and off stage and serve on the Board of Directors as the Vice President of Tidewater Players. I most recently was the musical director for Bel Air High School’s spring musical “Guys and Dolls.” I, also, have a mobile dj business and play many events and weddings throughout the state every year.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have been married for soon to be 12 years to my wife Sandi. I have a 21 year old stepdaughter, Mykenzie, in the Navy stationed on Norfolk, and two boys – Colton, 10 and Brady, 6. We have two dogs, Bruno and Belle. My mother and her husband are also Harford County residents and reside in Forest Hill.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
As Marketing and Communications Coordinator at Visit Harford, I get the pleasure of promoting EVERYTHING Harford County. From baseball tournaments, to Ladew Gardens, to Havre de Grace, to Snowball Stands and everything in between. I get to use my creative brain to create ads for our county and my extroverted personality to go on television and radio to enthusiastically encourage residents and neighbors of Harford County to come spend time with us.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Box Hill Pizzeria ever since I was a very little kid and it was only one tiny shop, Pairings Bistro – the mussels!, Looney’s Pub – the wings!, Magerks – the cheesesteak eggrolls, & Latitude Seafood Company – the crab mac and cheese!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Since 1984 minus 4 years of college in Philly – but I came home on holidays!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Renato Buontempo. One of the hardest working men in the restaurant business. I’ve had wonderful conversations with him over the years, including his recent decision on retirement. He has a great story and has made a remarkable footprint on this community.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Mr Holland’s Opus / The Wonder Years.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
The same mantra I tell my kids every morning – “Make Good Choices. Be A Good Listener. And, most importantly, Be Kind.”
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Harford Mall. I spent countless Friday nights there as a pre teen and teenager, went to dances there, saw concerts in there…even sang there myself! I met Santa and the Easter Bunny and stood and watched that bear do flips over the gymnastics bar by the food court countless times.
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?
Cal Ripken Jr. I have idolized him and a few of his teammates my whole life. I’d love to talk to him, not just about his journey, but what he was thinking and doing during his rise to athletic success and his mark on American History. We would definitely have to meet at a place that didn’t have a lot of sports on TV or else I’d just start talking about what was on television, so I’m choosing upstairs or the back seating area of Buontempo Brothers.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Watching my former classmates prosper. There’s something about Bel Air that keeps many of us that grew up here coming back. Walking down Main Street on the 4th of July and seeing your 6th grade history teacher with their grandchildren and your little league teammate in a parade promoting their business with their family at their side is something really special.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I hope to open a baseball facility where kids can practice, as well as a theater in Bel Air. Wishful thinking, but in 10 years I hope to be following my oldest son around the country pursuing a baseball career.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
When I’m alone in the car, I often listen to gospel music. Something about live instruments, great singing and harmonies just soothes my soul.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A child’s laughter.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My kids. I am an imperfect person on many fronts. Reminding myself that they look up to me isn’t the easiest task to remember on some days, but I idolized my father, amidst his flaws. I hope my kids will do the same.
Q: What community service or volunteer work do you participate in for your local community?
VP Bel Air Rec Baseball- Travel Baseball Coach- T Ball Coach/ VP Tidewater Players in Havre de Grace/perform in shows, as well.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Comfort, Hugs, Laughter.
