Background, Growing up, and a little bit about yourself

1. If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
   Nurturing, Committed, Fanatic
2. Where did you grow up?
   New Castle, PA
3. Describe your hometown in three words:
   depressed former steeltown
4. What were your parents like? What was your relationship with your parents?
   I grew up in an uber religious home. My father died when I was five, so I had a single parent for the most part. My mom is the black Marie Barone (Everybody Loves Raymond). Growing up, my mom and I were very close (I am the youngest of her three sons). She taught me a love of food, particularly cooking and baking.
5. Do you have siblings? What was your relationship like with your siblings growing up?
   I am at once the youngest child and the middle of my siblings. My mom remarried when I was 21. My father (we don’t do “step” in my family) has three daughters all younger than me. Yup, we are the black Brady Bunch.

6. Who has been the most important person in your life? Can you tell me about him or her?
   I have to thank my wife, Darlene, as she has been my biggest challenger, cheerleader, and supporter. She’s helped me to see possibilities where I felt there were none.

7.  As a child did you enjoy school? What kind of student were you?
   I LOVED school! I was identified as gifted and got to attend the Academic Games which were these brainiac nerd games.  

8. What were you like in high school?
   I was semi-popular, but had very low self-esteem. Senior year, I was voted “best dressed.” I used to be a real clothes horse.

10. When you were younger, what did you “want to be when you grew up”?
    I used to say either a fireman or a preacher. Now, being a pastor, I realize that I am a fireman of sorts.
11. If you could compare yourself with any animal, which would it be and why?
    I’d be a kangaroo. I love being a father, and I live for my kids. If I could pack them away in a pouch, I probably would.