I’m Dave, public relations and marketing practitioner using my skills to build relationships with others, whether it is giving tours to prospective renters or sitting down for an interview with a journalist.
I grew up in Rochester, NY- home of photo giant Kodak, grocery royalty Wegmans, and the one and only garbage plate. Today, I live in Lyndhurst, NJ with my wife Jill, an executive at Macy’s. We don’t have it too bad- we don’t have to pump our own gas, we get Taylor Ham, see the best views of NYC and it's a short drive (only 30 minutes) to Wegmans.
When I was younger I discovered a retail job that paid commission and that convinced me to forego the pursuit of higher education.
It took me a few years but I finally came to my senses and enrolled in Monroe Community College. My PR professor inspired me to continue my studies at St. John Fisher College and I earned my degree in Communication and Journalism in 2009.
At Fisher, joining and then leading the chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America, along with my commitment to my future profession, helped earn me The Jack Palvino Excellence in Communication Award.
After graduation, I realized that a career change in a recession was going to require some concessions. I served in some roles that helped enhance my relationship-building skills at The Salvation Army and Wegmans Food Markets and in 2011, I was offered the role to which I interned and I jumped at the chance.
As a community relations coordinator with The Salvation Army, I was able to play in the sandbox that is public relations and marketing. I had the opportunity to deal with the media, plan events, create brochures and advertisements and even do a bit of fundraising.
I earned some accolades while I was there, as I was part of the team that was recognized by the Rochester Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America with a PRISM award and as a finalist for Marketer of the Year from Rochester’s chapter of the American Marketing Association.
In 2015, my wife received news that her job was being eliminated and in accepting a new role, it looked like we were moving to New York City.
After connecting with old friends, it turned out that an opportunity was offered to me, which could touch upon my past experience and add some new ones in the world of apartment rental.
In 2018, I suffered a bicep tendon rupture and during my recovery I realized how much I missed my former calling. Apparently, minimal marketing responsibilities just won’t scratch that itch, so I find myself starting a new chapter once again.
It’s been a long, winding road for me but each turn has brought some great insight to where I am looking to go for my next chapter.
When I’m not writing releases or critiquing media appearances, I can be found at the movies, binge watching Netflix shows or movies in our collection, button mashing through the latest PS4 offering, or putting on my tourist cap and heading in to the City to see the Mets, the sights or a Broadway show.
I'm a big fan of traveling and all things Disney, whether it's movies or theme parks. My wife's family have ensured that I don't miss a Steelers game and thanks to my love of graphic novels, you might even catch us at New York Comic Con.
In the warmer months, you may even find me out on the links pretending that I could one day be Tiger Woods, but mostly it’s just confirming that old Mark Twain quote- “Golf is a good walk spoiled.”