Home: East Rockaway, NY. Age: 63. Birthplace: East Rockaway, NY. Profession: Attorney. Organization: BETA Abstract LLC. Title: General Counsel and Director of Business Development. Significant other: My wife and soulmate, Deborah Rovner.
Current project: Expansion of BETA Abstract. Recent recognition: Lawyer of Distinction Award, Client Champion Award and Client Distinction Award. What’s been your big (or biggest) leap? Building BETA Abstract from scratch, from one small room into the business it is today. Hobbies: Sports, music, hiking, reading, the beach, pickleball, fitness and babysitting my grandchildren. Recent travel or adventure: Costa Rica and Alaska. Last book read: Sinatra and Me, by Tony Oppedisano. What are you especially looking forward to? Playing in a baseball fantasy camp with my son A.J. this January.
Personality profile: Kind, calm and smart. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Loyal. Moral compass: My wife and children, my cousin Adam Kitzen and my intuition. How do you define a perfect friendship? Loving, dependable and thoughtful. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Honest and fair. What is your greatest joy? My wife, children and family. What is your greatest fear? Time. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? My wife.
What was your first paying job? Cashier at Burger King. What was your favorite college course? World Religions. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Strat-O-Matic Baseball. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My wife, children and cousin Adam Kitzen. What’s the best advice you received growing up? After my father died suddenly in 1974, my mother taught me to keep everything in perspective. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Think before reacting. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Red Hot Chili Peppers.
What is your big idea?
Require legal counsel for first-time homebuyers.
What change would you like to see in the world? Peace. What message do you want to send out into the world? Life is short. Be kind and enjoy the ride. What mega-trend most excites you? The return of vinyl records. What mega-trend most concerns you? AI.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Rocky. What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Mark Wahlberg. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My mom and dad. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? MLB player. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? Family pictures. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? With my wife and kids. What advice would you give your younger self? You are too trusting.
Personal mission: Making life better for my wife, children and community. Personal motto: Every day is a gift. Favorite quote: “Don’t sweat the small stuff” (Richard Carlson). Desired epitaph: He was a beloved husband, dad, Pops and friend.
