Occupation: I’m a real estate broker and local realtor with RE/MAX Right Choice on South Main Street. We opened that office as RE/MAX Enterprise around 2009, and I was an owner at the time and had two other offices. We sold them to a larger company in Trumbull. I became licensed in college, in 1980, and worked in lower Fairfield County. My father was in real estate since the early 1950s and had multiple offices in the area. When he had some health issues, we decided to work together, and he taught me the commercial real estate business. We worked for years together, and I took over the business when his health began to fail.

Family: I’m married to my wife, Dianne. We’ll be celebrating 25 years of marriage next year. When I married my bride, she had three children, so I have three stepchildren now, and they have given us six wonderful grandchildren. Bryon and his wife, Annie, live in New Milford with their children, Codie, Ryon, and Emma; Kerri and her husband, John, live in Brookfield with their children, Jack and Mason; and Bethany is in Danbury with her son, Kyle. The grandkids range in age from Mason, who’s 4, to Codie, who is in college.

Pets: We have a very sweet Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Max. He makes me smile and laugh every day. He loves the grandkids and is happy with company.

How long have you lived in Newtown? We moved here almost 14 years ago. I was born in Danbury Hospital, as were my parents, and I grew up in Bethel.

What do you like to do in your free time? My wife and I like to travel, I like to read when I can, and I enjoy going to concerts, plays, and Yankees’ games. I love spending time with family, too.

Do you have a favorite author? Years ago, I would read a lot of John Grisham. I like James Patterson. Right now, I’m reading Fear by Bob Woodward. I had forgotten what a terrific writer he is.

What is your favorite travel destination? For a while we would rent a house on the beach and bring the dog. We’ve also been to Aruba a couple times and really like it because the beaches are nice, the food is great, and the people are so friendly.

What is the best part about Newtown? There is a palpable sense of community here when you think about the Labor Day Parade, Halloween on Main Street, and, I mean, how many towns do you know that have three tree lightings? I love the people here, the businesses in the community, where I live in the center of town, and the quality and variety of restaurants.

Who has been the greatest influence in your life? My father, Emil. He was one of the most decent, honorable people I had the pleasure to know. He was a wonderful man, a great dad, a terrific real estate broker, and was involved in the community. He had this unique ability to make whomever he was speaking with feel like they were the most important person in the world. It was a gift.

If you could spend the day with one person, who would you choose and why? I’d love to spend one more day with my father. He’s been gone 30 years and a lot has happened since he died — a lifetime. I’d love to be able to talk to him about changes in our family, business, and the world.

Who is your favorite musical artist? I love The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Bruce Springsteen. I’m a huge Billy Joel fan, too.

What is the greatest piece of advice you have ever been given? I was always taught to be concerned about your fellow man and to listen to their point of view. Also, to be conscious that there is always someone who is less fortunate, and you need to keep them in your thoughts, prayers, and do your best to try to make things better for others.

What is something you cannot live without? My family.

What is your proudest accomplishment? The caliber of the people that I have managed to have in my life. I’m blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life, personally and professionally.