Occupation: General manager, Whitsons School Nutrition

Family: Two sons and a daughter. Joseph, 15, Marykate, 12, and Jacob 9.

Pets: Four dogs. The dogs’ names are Kia, Cupcake, Ceci, and Sherlock. We only adopt dogs from the rescue shelters. We believe they need homes just as much as any other dog and they all have a story behind them. Two of our dogs are rescues from Hurricane Katrina down south.

How long have you worked in Newtown, and what do you like about working here? I have worked in Newtown for four years now, and I like how the community accepts you in with open arms.

What do you like to do in your free time? Bowl, golf, spend time with family. All of my kids bowl, golf, and play sports. We are a very active family, and we treat all activities and also work around the house as a family thing. We also like to play cards and board games, and, since I am a chef, my kids like to cook and bake with me all the time.

Do you have a favorite movie? My favorite movie is The Greatest Showman. It lets you know that you can come from nothing and grow to be something and never to give up on your dreams.

What is your favorite travel destination? Lake George, for family vacations. When we go to Lake George every year, we go to a place called Gooney Golf which is a miniature golf course. We have to do this every time we are there.

What is the best part about Newtown? Community and kindness from residents.

Who or what has been the greatest influence in your life? Grandfather. My father left when I was young and my grandfather taught me how to do everything. He was a great teacher and I learned a lot from him. He always taught me that hard work would pay off in the end and he was always right.

If you could spend the day with one person, who would you choose and why? Chef Gordon Ramsey. Chef Ramsey is a world-renowned chef and always uses the freshest product you can get. What a lot of people do not understand is that even though it is a show, Hell’s Kitchen shows the true stress and struggle in a kitchen. Also, if you cannot find a way to work as a team and trust the people around you, you will not succeed.

Who is your favorite musical artist? Metallica.

Do you have a favorite TV show? Hell’s Kitchen and Kitchen Nightmares.

What is your favorite food? Sushi, all types.

What is the greatest piece of advice you have ever been given? If you try your best at everything you do, you will succeed in anything.

What is something you cannot live without? My family.

What is your proudest accomplishment? Becoming a father and a trained chef.

Why do you like doing what you do? I love to cook and I love all foods and ingredients and trying new things. I love it when someone would say ‘I like this dish,’ and you can go and cook it for them and they are very satisfied after eating it.

What organizations are you part of in Newtown? Not part of organizations yet, but trying to get out in the community and work on some partnerships in the future.