I have lived my entire life in Rochester, NY. I grew up in the suburb of Irondequoit. I went to Eastridge High School where I met one of the first loves: History and Politics. I excelled in these two subjects and gained a Regents diploma and earned Advanced Placement credit.
From there, I received a scholarship to go to Keuka College. I spent many summers in the Finger Lakes due to my family having a cottage near Keuka. It was there that I received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Political Science and History. I was a Student Senate Vice President and later my dormitory’s Hall Representative. I felt that I could affect more change as a legislator, rather than an Executive. While I was at Keuka, I worked with the school’s IT department on a Voting Application that would allow students to vote electronically. This came from my time as the Vice President and Chairman of the Elections Committee. I felt that the student body could benefit from a technological wonder, as well as increase voter participation. Unfortunately, my concept was not implemented due to student senate politics.
Afterwards, I spent a few years working for companies in the Sales industry. I left my last position working for a company to pursue my entrepreneurial dream of owning my own business. I found working for myself was a great deal of work. I originally worked with a partner in the telecommunications field of “pre-recorded messaging services.” I researched my industry, marketed my list of products, talked to customers, wrote the copy for the website, linked it to other “search related” material.
I started out working in the Political services industry, working with campaign consultants, candidates, and party chairpeople. I branched out into the non-profit sector as well. I currently have over 50 clients in Unions, religious organizations, doctors offices, sports associations, and many others. I found that there were many uses for this kind of technology aside from the “dreaded robocalls.”
It was during my many trials and tribulations of starting a business on my own, that I wanted to pursue my Master’s degree. I found that one of the most important skills I lacked was the ability to design websites. It represented one of my highest costs. Rochester has one of the best technology schools in the area and I looked into their various programs. After looking at Rochester Institute of Technology’s (RIT) degrees, I settled on a degree path called “Multi-Disciplinary Studies,” because it offered my the opportunity to study Interactive Multimedia & Design (web design) and Marketing. I felt that Marketing websites on the web is going to be one of the most sought after jobs on the planet. Every company wants an Internet presence and I felt that the traditional MBA programs could not offer me the kind of education I was looking for.
After graduating from RIT in November 2011, I am currently looking for a position that tests my abilities and provides a rewarding career. Although I like running a business, I feel that job security and learning the industry is more important and rewarding for me. I will always have the business as a supplementary income, as I am a firm believer in independent sources of income insulates someone from today’s economy. Plus the fact that my wife and I want to settle down in Rochester and having an irregular income is not conducive to that plan.
Therefore, I chose web design as a profession because I like a challenge. As you have read, I have the ability to stay focused and will go to great lengths to educate myself when the situation calls for it.
In my spare time, my wife and I like to travel, camp, and go anywhere that looks interesting. Shortly after graduating, we embarked on a 2 week European tour of Belgium, the Netherlands, and France. It was one of the greatest times of our lives thus far! I have always wanted to visit Europe, where I have studied extensively. This was our first international trip. We now have the travel bug and are planning our next trip to Italy: the land of our ancestors…
Fast forward 12 years and I have two beautiful sons named Tony Jr. (8) and Tommy (2). I couldn’t be happier as a father. Being a parent is so life fulfilling. I especially love reliving my childhood all over again with cooler toys!