Sarah was the newly hired Marketing Director turned friend when I lived in Pensacola. Some of the best years in my career were spent with her. Outside of work we frequently spent our weekends on Pensacola Beach at Casino Bar & Grill beach side with a cocktail in hand. This was our jam! I’ll never forget when I was being a good wing woman, only to be left disappointed when she turned down a “coffee date” to go home to her dog Stella. This I will never let her live down! Now it's her turn to play wing woman by assisting on our special day.
From the first time we met, Rob and I never met eye to eye on a lot of things. Two guys with strong opinions that will create a debate larger than Obama vs McCain. But in the end, we always kept each other on his toes. Rob is my definition of loyal. He would give you the shirt off his back if needed, and possibly the last of his cash if he believed you needed it more than he did. Rob has been a big brother that I could count on to be in my corner without any questions asked ready to face the same risk...unless it comes to eating certain food. Celebrating birthdays will never be a dull moment with Rob around!
James and I met sophomore year of high school during basketball season. Initially I didn’t make the team, but he was the one that notified me that coach wanted me to join. As a new student trying to find comfort, he too had recently transferred from a prep school. Although we stood different in height, we both played with toughness on the court and was as goofy as can be all other times. James has always been one of the most generous guys I’ve ever met. One who would make sacrifices to lend a hand whenever I needed him. My most memorable moment was when he and I drove my sister’s car to Mississippi; twelve hours of pure comedy!
Sophomore year of high school, I was forced to move to the south side of Chicago and wasn’t looking forward to attending a new school. It was my first day at summer camp during football practice that Josh stood up to our coach for me and in result had to run laps. During our breaks we got to know each other and have been friends for 22 years. Our lives, which evolved around sports, kept us close & competitive. Although many of our peers may have seen Josh as a bully, he’s truly a genuine guy. Always first to call to check up on me, and just enjoys seeing others happy. There’s never a dull moment when he’s around, even if it is a possible fight.
During my transition to Miami after graduating college, Tim was the first person that replied to me via facebook (when it was only college students) to assist me with getting familiar with Miami. Carrying similar professional careers as Architects, socially Tim & I teamed up as club promoters for 6 years - “The Golden Boys” & since then, never made a move without the other. As my Fraternity brother, Tim has been one of the most loyal & humble guys that I’ve met. So humble that when I lost my job in 2011, he offered his second room in his apartment to me until I was able to get back on track. If it wasn’t for Tim, I would have moved back to Chicago.
Marvin & I have been identical since day one, meeting him outside the club in 2006. Two talented guys with an ambition to find his place in life while also being the life of the party. Being both promoters & graphic designers with luxurious taste (on a broke budget), we got together plenty of times to brainstorm on how to make something out of nothing. Marvin never lets me fail. He’s been my coach, motivator & #1 supporter during all parts of my life. He helped me become a trainer as my first client & I’m forever grateful. After leaving the parties behind & developing into his career as a fire fighter, he’s still the same guy that will make you smile
Moving to Miami in 2006 with no friends or family around was a hard transition. One weekend, while linking with one of the local Fraternity chapters, I met Kurt. We were the only two super late to a BBQ & the only ones sober enough to hang out afterwards. Since that day, we were “Ying & Yang” on the weekends as we enjoyed Miami outside of business hours. Kurt has always been a role model to me on both a professional & social standpoint. A guy that never said no, shared whatever he had, and was always willing to take any risk with you (as long as it didn’t kill us). He is also one of the best persons to go to for advice over a glass of whiskey.
Carnell & I met on south beach in 2013 during my birthday, only to find out that we lived in the same apartment complex. We clicked instantly & became great friends over time. With similar interest & family upbringing, we became roommates in 2015. (Fun fact: Somehow we always met up dressed alike when going out & would rock, paper, scissor on who had to change). Learning a lot from each other, we held each other accountable in our daily lives supporting each other’s efforts & struggles as we transitioned into older men. Now Carnell lives in Maryland with a new career path, but it hasn’t stopped us from checking in on each other.
William (Billy) & I met in high school during our junior year. He was in my position as a new transfer, although he knew a good handful of students from growing up in the area. Billy has always been a hard worker at whatever he takes on and a man of his word. So much that, while living in Minnesota, when I told him that he should move to Miami, he drove non-stop and made it just in time for my bday celebrate at the club! Billy is also the reason that traveling has become a part of my life, which has shaped my way of living. He showed me how to enjoy life beyond work, beyond my limits, beyond the norm. London & Paris will always be our second home.