I’m an eternal optimist who sees humor in everything. Also a very fortunate husband and father. We’re proud to call Monrovia our home and raise our son here. I recently completed the Monrovia Area Partnership {MAP} program, and our son, Landon, completed the youth version of the same program. We highly recommend it for those wishing to learn more about the inner-workings of our town and to make a difference. I’ve also attended the Monrovia Business Emergency Response Training {BERT} and found it to be extremely informative.
I was born here in Southern CA and also hold dual-citizenship with the United Kingdom because of my British parents. Looking forward to seeing you around town!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have a Beautiful wife, Analia, and a wonderful son, Landon, age 12
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Current career: Chief Engagement Officer at Arcadia Association of Realtors – we’re not a sales organization, we’re like the AAA Club but for SGV real estate agents providing behind-the-scenes services. I love that our organization has many selfless volunteers to positively further the real estate industry and raise funds for local SGV charities and organizations. Future career: pouring wine at a Central Coast winery!
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Oh wow. That’s impossible! I will say the restaurant that my family misses dearly – it’s Rigo’s Mexican food. They were on the corner of Foothill and Mayflower. Please come back!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Proud resident of Monrovia for 21 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
The person who volunteers and donates their time for the benefit of the Monrovia community, of whom there are too many to name!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I’d go back in time and invest in real estate!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory – the original Gene Wilder version. TV show? Probably N.Y. P.D. Blue from back in the 90’s. Such great characters and storylines that touched on your emotions.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be kind. {By the way, there is a HUGE difference between being kind and being nice!}
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
More international travel.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
A ’90s-era band called Toad the Wet Sprocket. Going a step further, the lead singer, Glen Phillips, has some great solo music, as well. They were the very fist live gig I took my son to see, and they were also the band that played on our first New Year’s Eve when I was dating my now-wife. Great memories all around! And of course the Beatles deserve a mention, too.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Thinking outside the box, I would have to say the Monrovia City Staff and the many Monrovia-based organizations run by volunteers that form a special partnership and bring wonderful events to the city.
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?
Another loaded question with so many appropriate answers… I am making this choice for my son with the hypothetical presumption I could bring my family with me to lunch. His favorite soccer player, retired now, is someone named Wayne Rooney who played for Manchester United and the English National Team. He’s always wanted to meet him. So it would be Wayne and we’d let him choose the place!
Q: What is your favorite thing about Monrovia or something unique about our community that you like?
My favorite thing about our wonderful town is the enormity of things to do here. Hike the canyon – check. Stroll Old Town – check. Visit a variety of parks – check. Attend outdoor events and festivals – check. Wine and dine – check and check. There truly is something for everyone here.
Q: What is your greatest regret?
Not furthering my stand-up comedy
Q: Even for friends or family, what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I was a Los Angeles Dodger batboy, including the World Series year of 1988. I know I’m cheating with this question because my family and friends already know!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
My wife’s eyes… ; }
Q: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I believe life is a series of achievements without a culmination of just one. Thus, we we are continually growing and improving.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
100%!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife and son. Everyone and everything else comes after.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
A robust Australian Shiraz red wine.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Plate. Fries. Depot. : }
