Home: White Plains, NY; Old Saybrook, CT. Age: 43. Birthplace: Newton, MA. Profession: Lawyer. Organization: Zaiger LLC. Title: Founder and Managing Partner. Significant other: My wife, Karen. Alma mater: Lafayette College; Boston University School of Law.
Current project: Focused on creating an alternative model of first-tier business litigation and consumer arbitrations. Latest accomplishment: Recovered hundreds of millions of dollars since the inception of the firm at greatly reduced costs vs. the traditional hourly model. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Professionally, starting my own law firm. Hobbies: Skiing; time with my wonderful wife, two daughters and two dogs; traveling to new places. Recent travel or adventure: Jackson Hole, Vancouver, New Orleans. Last book read: The Best Minds, by Jonathan Rosen. Recently viewed and recommended: American Fiction. Recent unique acquisition: A great autographed print of Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, a present from my wife.
Personality profile: Diligent, open minded, creative, caring; zealous advocate. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Loyal. Moral compass: Choosing kind. How do you define a perfect friendship? Extreme comfort, openness and loyalty. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Trust and confidence in each other. What is your greatest joy? My family. What is your greatest fear? Something terrible happening to a family member. What word or phrase do you use far too often? Right on top of that, Rose. What natural talent have you neglected? Rock climbing. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Doctors and teachers. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Traveling; memorable moments with family and loved ones. What is at the top of your bucket list? Hitch an Air Stream on the truck and spend a few months traveling across the country. How do you relieve stress? Reading for pleasure. What is your go-to workout? Weights and mix of cardio; skiing if given the option. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? A mix of activity and a little downtime. My honeymoon was a safari, followed by time on a remote island and it was perfect.
What was your first paying job? Salesperson at a sporting goods store. What was your favorite college course? The Constitution of Foreign Affairs; Symbolic Interaction in Everyday Life. What book have you repeatedly read? The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald; A Moveable Feast, by Ernest Hemingway. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Good Will Hunting. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Boston sports memorabilia. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My wife. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Take courses that excite you. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Be diligent and return client questions or inquiries promptly. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? GPS. What is your favorite app? Google Maps. What is your go-to source of news and information? New York Times. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Next Big Idea Podcast. What company or organization do you most admire? St. Jude. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? Marriage, children.
What change would you like to see in the world?
Greater civility in everyday interaction and less escape to technology.
What message do you want to send out into the world? As I ask my children every day: What’s the most important thing? Being kind. What widely held belief do you reject? Material wealth leads to happiness.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? One Step at a Time. What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Chris Messina. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My grandfather. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? Lawyer or travel journalist. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? Ketubah. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? In Old Saybrook, CT with my family (weather permitting). What advice would you give your younger self? Try to not sweat the small stuff. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? Any day of my honeymoon. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? High school.
Personal mission: Raising fantastic kids. Personal motto: Pain is temporary, glory is forever. Favorite quote: “Well done is better than well said” (Benjamin Franklin).
