I was born and raised in Wilmington Delaware. I am an only child, which caused me to feel very alone, as I knew I would never be able to share my life experiences with any siblings. My parents, therefore, became my best friends. I acquired my strong family values and morals from my parents, who have always embraced their Italian heritage and the Catholic faith. My parents sent me to the best schools and insisted my education be done in a private setting. I am very proud of my parents, and my loyalty to them is expressed with the love and respect we share.
I feel I had a different childhood than most other children my age because of my strict upbringing. I also was very shy and was teased a lot because I was tall and lanky with thick glasses. I quickly became very defensive and felt like an outsider, causing me to rely on myself. Over time, I came to know myself and what I needed to do to develop the confidence I yearned for. I took up exercise as a hobby at first, only to build my body as a means to develop self-confidence and respect from others. It later became my passion as I saw my body transformed, which still drives me to excel today.
Beginning in high school,I dedicated my extracurricular activities to perfecting my internal and external image, ultimately sculpting my body into the form it is today. I also became very competitive, always striving to be the best. In an effort to stay competitive and well-rounded, I also participated in various sports like football, basketball, and baseball. I was motivated by the rigorous activities that I had undertaken and endured, as well as by the results I was able to achieve. I developed a strong core, both physically and emotionally, and realized I controlled my own sense of self. Through physical fitness, I also quickly became noticed, thereby earning others’ respect. I went from being an outsider to being a sought-after friend. I realized my calling was to help others achieve their potential, as bodybuilding had enabled me to do for myself.
My grandfather was my life coach and mentor. He taught me the courage to think and act for myself as a leader. He spoke of reputation as being the most important quality I have and that it is crucial who I choose to associate with. Over time, I have developed a reputation for being self-confident, extremely positive, loyal, and outgoing. Since high school, I have had the ability to relate well with others and make friends easily. I have an appealing presence, and my sense of humor is appreciated by all. My family has always been there for me, and their love has taught me to follow my heart in any decision I must make.
Following my college graduation in 2002, the economy had begun the unnerving downward spiral we are still facing today. As the rest of my classmates headed for corporate America, I quickly realized there was a different plan for me. Once again, I chose my own path. I wanted to draw upon my experiences and personal development, using them to my advantage. I also wanted to follow my heart. This led me to an interest in modeling and acting. I received a referral from a close friend about a well-known agent in New York, who when I met him, told me that I was too fat. Determined to follow my dream, I returned to New York a month and a half later, 35 pounds lighter. Utterly impressed with my dedication and willpower, he said that I could attain anything and I gained representation immediately. I traveled back and forth between Delaware and New York City around my work schedule as a regional salesman/assistant manager in the Delaware/Pennsylvania area, but soon realized the traveling was too costly and very time- consuming. One day, I realized that my time in Delaware was done and that a new opportunity awaited me in New York City. It was not easy; I faced numerous challenges and was taken advantage of by "would-be" friends. I truly faced setback after setback. I found work as a personal trainer in Manhattan and lived in New Jersey at the time. But then, overnight, my life disintegrated. It turned out that my roommate, who I thought was my friend, was using our rent money for personal needs and neglected to pay rent for almost a year! I came home from work late one evening to find the locks had been changed; I had been evicted. I rapidly lost my sense of focus. I was homeless and was forced to ask an acquaintance if I could stay with him after only knowing him only through brief conversations. For two months, I slept on his floor. My life seemed as if it were in utter ruin. BUT instead of quitting, packing up, and heading back to Delaware, I reached deep within myself and found the strength to persevere from my life’s lessons and the words of my grandfather: "Do what’s right, not what’s easy.” I worked 10-hour days, saved as much money as possible, and was finally able to rent a place of my own. I continued to audition and build my clientele. As a result, I can honestly say I have never been stronger than I am today. I have lived in NYC for just over six years now, and my greatest achievements to date are purchasing my own condo, being published in two national magazines, appearing on talk shows, acting in various commercials, and obtaining my securities license that allowed me to work for prestigious clubs, as well as being a personal bodyguard for upscale clientele for the past six years. My long-term goal is to write a motivational book using my biography as an example for others who feel they are losing focus or have some adversity to overcome.
Life is 10% what you experience and 90% how you react to it.
WE ARE TRULY IN CHARGE OF OUR ATTITUDES AND OUR ULTIMATE DESTINY
