Tell us more about you. Your educational background, family, pets, hobbies.
This will be a long story. Born and raised in New York City – graduated from St. John’s University with a BA in History. I though I would live in NYC my whole life – the city had everything one could want… right?? Well… that did not happen. Married to Anne in 1989 and we raised to boys Max and Ben. Our family moved with my professional career as a Human Resources leader from New York to New Jersey to North Carolina to Hong Kong, China to Dallas, Texas to Los Angeles, California. Along the way we welcomed two doggos – Jeter and Moose. Anne and I then proceeded to Washington, DC and then to Annapolis. We really thought we would retire in Annapolis. Then life happened again and Anne passed away in September 2021.
I was blessed to meet an amazing person in early 2022 – and now it is Sabrina, Caleb (who is 10) and myself on another life journey which includes Sparkle Squad. There has been time for hobbies and interests… yes, travel would be one along with running ( four marathons after I turned 50), surf fishing, reading and staying at home with Sabrina and Caleb.
How long have you lived in the area where you will be servicing? What is your favorite thing about the area?
I have lived in Annapolis since 2021 moving here from Washington, DC during the COVID crisis. I love Annapolis and surrounding cities for the people. We have people from all walks of life, cultural communities, political persuasions, religious affiliations. Annapolis is like a giant salad bowl of people, cultures, food, passions — all living together in a true community of friendship. No one is treated as an outsider.
What were the reasons/motivations that prompted you to start your own business? What is the most exciting thing about your new business venture?
Well, I never thought I would run my own business… wasn’t sure I had the entrepreneurial gene. Had a successful forty plus year career going in corporate America… then, that life thing happened again – laid off at 67. Felt I still had something to prove. Corporate America said otherwise…. Sparkle Squad saw my entrepreneurial potential and here I am going to be my own boss… I am over the moon thrilled about this opportunity.
The whole thing is exciting – don’t even know where to start,,, running my own business. I think the thing that has me most excited is the opportunity – we are a home solutions business… we are not sexy but people need us. We clean windows… I drive around my markets every day and all I see is glass, glass, glass. We clean gutters. There trees and houses everywhere – leaves, leaves, leaves. We are a service business which means contact with people everyday – helping them solve problems and finding ways to make their homes, businesses and property beautiful – a way to increase their pride in their success.
Tell us about the area you’ll be operating in. What is it like? Does it have unique features that you consider special? Any key landmarks, rivers, mountains, historical sites, points of interest? Please list all.
Annapolis – is the State Capital of Maryland and home of the United States Naval Academy – Annapolis Harbor, US Naval Academy Museum, Maryland State House, Maryland State Museum. In Bowie there is the Belair Mansion, Martin Luther King Building, Bowie Bosox Baseball Club (Double A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles). In Laurel, Maryland we have the Laurel Park racetrack for thoroughbred horse racing In Hyattsville we have the Pyramid Atlantic Art Center. As Maryland sits on the Chesapeake Bay boating and water activities such as fishing and crabbing are very popular. We are home to the best crabcakes in the world!!!
What will make your Sparkle Squad business different from other local competitors?
This Sparkle Squad business is a local home grown franchise. We are starting up this franchise as the first for Sparkle Squad in Maryland
Can you provide us with one quote that summarizes how you plan on servicing your community as a Sparkle Squad business?
We are a business of the community dedicated to meeting the needs of our customers in the community.