I grew up the youngest of six kids in Columbus, Ohio, where my siblings and 90-plus-year-old parents still reside. I moved to Chicago in 1986 after graduating from Ohio State long before the THE Ohio State came into vogue. I married my amazing Chicagoan wife, Dominica, in 1990 and we moved to La Grange in 1995. Dominica is a Social Worker at Hinsdale Middle School serving students with special needs. I own Home Helpers of Hinsdale, one of the largest and most highly-rated home care agencies in our region. Dominica is our Senior Consultant; as she tells me, she has 2 jobs, I only have one! This is a dream come true for us – owning our own business since 2018 with a great mission that matches well with our experience, while serving a growing need in our community.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My wife, Dominica, and I have if you’ll allow me to boast for a moment three successful/traveling/fun adult sons who live in Chicago.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Prior to Home Helpers I was Chief Marketing Officer for Edward Hospital and Edward-Elmhurst Health for 18 years. And before that I was a PR executive serving clients such as Kraft, Quaker Oats and Ronald McDonald House Charities International. I am also a co-founder and former board member of The Legacy Guild, an organization that provides college scholarships to students throughout Lyons Township School District 204 who have suffered the loss of a parent. I also volunteer in the entrepreneurial program at Lyons Township. I love to coach, teach and mentor.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Fuller House of course, Egg Harbor, Kama Bistro in La Grange
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I always thought I’d raise my kids in Ohio but moving to the western suburbs in 1995 has worked out beautifully…and we still visit Ohio often.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
One of our clients, Ruth. Lived to 106. Loved visiting her! Or Lois of Hinsdale. “Just find me a Caregiver who knows how to pour me a good drink at 5pm each day!” Priceless.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
We are heading to Ireland this year with our sons. I’m 58% Irish according to 23 & Me.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I can watch The Office all day long. Hysterical. As for movies, give me Rocky any day.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Believe in yourself!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Walk the Camino de Santiago. if you’re not familiar with it, look it up and then watch the movie “The Way”.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
The Avett Brothers.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Hinsdale Middle School. I know it’s a not technically a business, but each year the oldest kids graduate and my wife can’t stop talking about how she’ll miss her students.
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?
I’d invite Elon Musk and family to our house for Dominica’s homemade pasta and meatballs.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Love hiking with my wife in Fullersburg.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Hopefully healthy, a grandpa, and trying to keep up with my wife as she works out 6 days a week!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’m an Ohio State fan, but I own and fly a University of Michigan flag at our house each year to honor the birthday of our friends’ daughter, Katie Palermo, who passed away while attending Michigan.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Oh man, tough one. Probably Ohio Stadium on game day or the remote lake we fish in Canada.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Fall football. All my kids played. I coached them. Love football. Michigan/Ohio St football Saturday, win or lose.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Any great fishing trip!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My kids and wife for sure!
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Coffee even though I don’t drink it. My wife’s chocolate chip cookies!
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Love. Family. Food.
