Home: Massillon, OH. Age: 37. Birthplace: Canton, OH. Organization: Society Brands, Inc. Title: CEO & Co-Founder. Pronouns: He/Him/His. Significant other: The love of my life, Jordan Sirpilla. Alma mater: St Thomas Aquinas High School.
Current project: Serving on the board of Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce. Recent recognition: Hudson (my son, age 7) said I am the Best Dad. Recent professional development: Opened up a 30,000 sq ft warehouse in Canton, OH. Latest accomplishment: Completed several acquisitions. Latest contribution to others: Giving to Faith Family Church. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Founding to building Society Brands over 3M and raising money for Friends and Family. Hobbies: Cleveland Cavs and concerts. Recent travel or adventure: Summer Solstice at Nemacolin. Last book read: How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie. Recently viewed and recommended: The movie, Reagan. Recent unique acquisition: Family vacation in Q1 of the upcoming year.
Personality profile: Ambitious, committed, truthful, honest. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Extrovert. Moral compass: WWJD. How do you define a perfect friendship? Committed, available, trusting. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Trusting the other party to care about your best interests as well as theirs; working toward common ground as challenges arrive. What is your greatest joy? My kids. What is your greatest fear? if something were to happen to my wife and kids. What is your guilty pleasure? Buffalo pretzel crisps with buffalo dip every Saturday. What word or phrase do you use far too often? One thing. What natural talent have you neglected? Music. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? First Responders (police, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs).
What three emojis best describe you? 😀🥲🤣.
What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Travel. What is at the top of your bucket list? Family trip to the Marina coast. How do you relieve stress? Golf. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Good people, good place, good accommodations.
What was your first paying job? Bus boy at 91 Restaurant. What was your favorite college course? Music. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Power Rangers. What book have you repeatedly read? The Bible. What movie have you repeatedly watched? The Godfather. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Pictures of my family. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My Grandpa (maternal). What’s the best advice you received growing up? To always do the right thing, whether or not it is convenient. What’s the best advice you received in your career? People that are successful are not more intelligent, they just refuse to settle for mediocrity. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? AI. What is your favorite app? YouTube. What is your go-to source of news and information? YouTube. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Spotify. What company or organization do you most admire? Virgin Group. What world event has had the greatest influence on your life? COVID-19. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? The deaths of my father-in-law and my maternal grandfather.
What is your big idea? Society Brands help the world feel good, look good and live a better life. What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? To make acquiring Brands a friendly experience where we can partner with founders. What change would you like to see in the world? Unity. What message do you want to send out into the world? Jesus loves you. What widely held belief do you reject? That college is a requirement for success. What mega-trend most excites you? AI. What mega-trend most concerns you? Division that is being created between people who differ from one another.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Underrated. What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Ben Affleck. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? Jesus. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A professional athlete. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? My phone. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? Family, tropical location, detached from electronics. What advice would you give your younger self? You can do it. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? The day my father-in-law died. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? Grade school.
Personal mission: Inspire others to be the best version of themselves and be the testimony that God can do great things through you. Personal motto: Mercy over judgment. Favorite quote: “Most men die at 25 and are buried at 75” (Benjamin Franklin). Desired epitaph: Loved God, loved his family and made a difference.
