Home: Boston, MA. Birthplace: Princeton, NJ. Profession: Builder, general contractor. Organization: Ataraxia Construction & Fabrication LLC. Title: Owner. Languages spoken: English, French.
Current project: Renovation of a historic 1870 home in Roslindale, MA. Latest accomplishment: Completed major whole-home renovation, which sold above asking price in Roslindale, MA. Latest contribution to others: Volunteering for Team Rubicon and Habitat for Humanity. Recent travel or adventure: 12,000-mile road trip across the southwestern United States. Last book read: Truman, by David McCullough.
Personality profile: Open, intelligent, light-hearted, humorous. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Committed. What is your greatest joy? Skiing a bluebird day with 12” of fresh powder at 20oF. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Historical writing and biographical writing. What is at the top of your bucket list? Build a cozy home in very rural, upstate Vermont. How do you relieve stress? Exercise. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Abundant sunshine and low humidity. Turning off the cell phone.
What was your first paying job? Replica Quick Print, a small printing store. What was your favorite college course? Plant Ecology. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Dungeons & Dragons. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Pictures of my children. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Keep your head up, tend to your work, don’t worry about what other people say. What is your go-to source of news and information? Marketplace, one of the best business shows on the air. Whose music do you particularly enjoy? The Grateful Dead.
What is your big idea?
Trust in the future. Life is so full of possibilities that our mind cannot conceive of them all.
What change would you like to see in the world? Slow climate change to maintain winter snow fall and winter skiing. What message do you want to send out into the world? Live life with confidence knowing that everything will work out just exactly as it was intended.
What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? George Clooney, who looks like me. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? Winston Churchill, for his fascinating mind. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? My turn-of-the-20th century violin made by French luthier Paul Jombar, and my guitars. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? Hiking in the mountains with my sons, taking in the fresh air and pleasure of their company. What advice would you give your younger self? Enjoy the journey, knowing that the consistency of effort is the key to success. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? My favorite Grateful Dead Concert from 1985.
Personal mission: Creating beautiful homes for families to enjoy for decades. Personal motto: Don’t worry, everything will work out. Favorite quote: “Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently” (Henry Ford).
