CAN YOU TALK ABOUT EARLY LESSONS FROM YOUR UPBRINGING?

My parents came to the US with two suitcases and an infant (my brother). They sacrificed and worked super hard to give us a middle class life in the Jersey suburbs. The message was dream big, do honest, hard work and don’t be afraid to fail. Given the head start my brother and I had, my parents felt there was nothing we couldn’t accomplish.

SO YOU GREW UP A TYPICAL AMERICAN KID?

A proud Jersey boy! LBI, pizza, Giants, Yankees.

ARE YOU STILL CLOSE TO YOUR FAMILY?

I come from a huge, extended family with lots of cousins. We’re really close—we all have each others’ backs. Our family parties can get a bit ridiculous.

OK, ENOUGH RELAXATION. WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THE BUSINESS OF BRAND BUILDING?

The hustle! The best brands come from great teams of people who really get stuff done. Often big companies don’t have that kind of drive and can’t keep up.

YOU SPEND A LOT OF TIME WITH ENTREPRENEURS. WHAT TRAITS DO THEY SHARE?

Again, the hustle, the creativity and the unyielding belief in themselves.

I IMAGINE AFTER WORKING CLOSELY WITH THEM, THEY BECOME LIKE A SECOND FAMILY.

I love building genuine relationships and friendships with them. Accomplishing something together is hugely gratifying.

HOW DO YOU BUILD TRUST WITH THESE FOUNDERS AND ENTREPRENEURS?

The spirit of the partnership doesn’t come from a place of “I told you so!” or “I know better.” Ultimately, it comes down to what’s best for the brand is best for all of us, and that’s a two way street. We’re in this together.

SPEAKING OF BEING IN THIS TOGETHER, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE VMG VIBE?

It’s a close knit group. We know each other’s spouses, partners, and kids. Monday morning we ask each other what we did that weekend and are genuinely interested.

AND YOU SAY, “I PARTIED WITH MY COUSINS?”

Perhaps I overshared here.