Home: Westport, CT. Age: Younger than I look. Birthplace: New York. Profession: Advertising, marketing, finance; entrepreneur. Organization: Local Factor Group, RIII Ventures. Title: Founder and CEO, Managing Partner. Significant other: My wife, Kaylee Rutchik. Alma mater: Syracuse University (B.S/B.A.); NYU Stern Business School (M.B.A.).
Current project: Working as the CEO of LocalFactor, and, hoping to climb to the top of the town tennis ladder. Recent professional development: Leadership training. Latest accomplishment: Proud that LocalFactor has been around for over 2 years at this point, and we continue to grow with proud people and happy clients. Latest contribution to others: Coaching my son’s baseball team. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? I’ve been very focused on my fitness, and now I’d consider myself “in shape!” (or closer, anyway). Hobbies: Family, coaching, cooking, tennis, golf, fitness. All Boston sports. And a love for Syracuse (Go Orange!). Recent travel or adventure: France. Recently viewed and recommended: Special Ops: Lioness (Paramount+). Recent unique acquisition: I have one of Shaq’s original Reebok sneakers from the early 90s, classic.
Personality profile: Authentic, humble, strategic thinker, open, balanced. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Go-getter. How do you define a perfect friendship? Honest, supportive, not afraid to tell you your blind spots. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Honest, no surprises, overly communicative (and pays their bills on time). What is your greatest joy? Seeing my kids experience new things, and the smiles on their faces when they are laughing. What is your guilty pleasure? It has to be Vanderpump Rules. I’m sorry. What natural talent have you neglected? Music. I was pretty good at the saxophone growing up. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? GM of a professional sports team; lawyer. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Travel experiences, food experiences, sports experiences. What is at the top of your bucket list? Japan. How do you relieve stress? Tennis. What is your go-to workout? F45, tennis, push ups. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Sunshine and family.
What was your first paying job? Page at the local library in my hometown, putting away books. What was your favorite college course? Advertising campaigns. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Monopoly. What book have you repeatedly read? Anything Jack Reacher. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Anything Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson, Adam Sandler, Will Ferrell. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Family photos. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Lead by example. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? Laptops, high speed internet, and email/slack allowing me and my company to be fully remote. What is your favorite app? Star Gazer, which shows you the constellations. What is your go-to source of news and information? Apple News. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Instagram and Chat GPT. What world event has had the greatest influence on your life? The COVID pandemic. The hardship the world went through together, the way it shifted my life personally, and reshaped my priorities.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field?
Continuing to develop and hone my leadership skills to maximize performance as a company and make it truly okay to live a balanced life.
What change would you like to see in the world? Less political posturing and more solutions-oriented action. What message do you want to send out into the world? Do what feels right for you, everything happens for a reason. What mega-trend most excites you? AI. What mega-trend most concerns you? AI.
What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Clive Owen, I’m told we look alike (thank you!). Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My grandparents. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A lawyer. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? Nothing, everything I need would be out of the house. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? With family, on a beach or in a pool, eating chips and guacamole. Doing my best to impart as much wisdom to my kids as possible. What advice would you give your younger self? It’s okay to be yourself, don’t worry about what others think. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? My wedding day.
Personal mission: To be present for myself, my family and my community. Personal motto: Let’s f-ing go. Desired epitaph: Great father, husband, friend and teammate.
