Josh Grapski
Managing Partner/Marketing & Development
First Job: Dishwasher at the Angus Steakhouse in Fairfield, CT.
Best place you’ve ever been: My happy place is on a sailboat in the Caribbean Islands. It changes my whole attitude upon arrival and lasts well after I leave.
Favorite Quote: “Many people spend too much time trying to be the captain of someone else’s boat… learn to be the lighthouse and the boats will find their way.”
How you Enjoy the Ride: Sailing, snowboarding, reading, time with family and friends.
Mitch Rosenfeld
Managing Partner
Best place you’ve ever been: The Galápagos Islands.
One thing that will instantly make your day better: Working out.
What we should know about you: I have spent my entire adult life working for myself or for businesses in which I am an owner. I enjoy creating and growing businesses, employing others, and helping people grow and flourish in their jobs.
How you Enjoy the Ride: I love to travel, having visited 4 continents and dozens of countries. I traveled the US for 6 weeks in a motor home and have been to over 40 states.
Rich Garrahan
Managing Partner/Operations
Where is the best place you’ve ever been?: Mile High Stadium in Denver with my son, Cam
What is your favorite quote?: Life moves pretty fast, if you don’t stop to look around once in a while, you could miss it. -Ferris Bueller
What would be the title of your memoir?: Rich Garrahan – A Short Story
How do you Enjoy the Ride?: I love the beach, being outside with friends and family, playing golf, drawing, traveling, reading, eating and drinking in new places!
Stephanie Cameron
Controller
What we should know about you: I’ve worked for Nage/La Vida since almost the start of the company. I was a runner, server, expo, bookkeeper, and worked into the controller position. I have an undergrad degree in Biology and Masters in Business with a concentration in entrepreneurship. In addition to working for La Vida, I help my husband, his brother, and our partner run our restaurants, GRandpa Mac brand.
Title of your memoir: She Wore 100 Hats.
How you Enjoy the Ride: Spending time with my husband and two young sons.
Becky Reed
Team Development
Best place you’ve ever been: I have lived all over the United States. I have loved each place, so it is very hard to pick a favorite!
Favorite Quote: “In a world where you can be anything…be kind.”
What we should know about you: I play flute and piccolo. I love a good documentary and reading.
How you Enjoy the Ride: Pausing, reflecting, and trying to be in the moment.
Kathy McDonald
Director of Community Development
Best place you’ve ever been: Anywhere near the water. Key West was a wonderful time in my life. I loved having access to the clear blue ocean and the vibrant art community stoked my creativity.
Title of your memoir: Keep your bags packed. Always say yes to the trip.
How you Enjoy the Ride: Traveling, I love to experience different cultures. If there is time to immerse myself in the community and learn how people live and work, it creates lifelong memories of each trip. Learning how the old sea diver makes his rustic traps in Costa Rica, having dinner with Bastista’s driver in Cuba, milking cows on a farm in El Salvador, learning how to hand line for fish in Holbox. They instill gratitude for how lucky we are in life.
Kate Gooding
Creative Team Manager
First Job: Scooping ice cream at Hopkin’s Farm Creamery
One thing that will instantly make your day better: A strong cup of coffee… it’s a hug in a cup!
Favorite Quote: “Creativity is intelligence having fun.” – Albert Einstein
How you Enjoy the Ride: I am in my element when I am discovering someplace new; whether that’s on the road, in the air, or found in a good book.
Haley Ward
Internal Recruiter
Where are you from: York, Pennsylvania
Best place you’ve ever been: Belize
One thing that will instantly make your day better: ICED COFFEE, any time, any day
How you Enjoy the Ride: I make the most out of every interaction I have during my day – no matter who it is with. Helping others enjoy their lives brings enjoyment into mine.
Becca Anderson
Director of Operations- La Vida Hospitality
Matt Garbutt
Director of Marketing & Branding-La Vida Hospitality
Where is the best place you’ve ever been?: Oahu, Hawaii
What is your favorite quote?: “Live Everyday To The Fullest”
What would be the title of your memoir?: He Can Fix It
How do you Enjoy the Ride?: I am an active waterman whether it be surfing, boating, fishing, or walking on the beach. Spending time outdoors & with my family are important to me.
AJ Borrero
Unit Leader – Big Chill Surf Cantina
Where is the best place you’ve ever been?: That’s a tough question but it’s a toss up between New Orleans with a great group of friends, Greece because the sights and history or Italy because of the food. I’m a huge traveler and love to explore.
What is your favorite quote?: “Once you know what failure feels like, determination chases success.”
How do you Enjoy the Ride?: Being around friends and family while enjoying the relax pace of beach life.
Ted Deptula
Culinary Director – Crooked Hammock Brewery
Best place you’ve ever been: Top of a ski resort mountain.
Favorite quote: “Being a God isn’t easy, if you do too much people get dependent on you, and if you do nothing they lose hope…when you do things right, people won’t be sure you’ve done anything at all.”
First Job: Operating Go-Karts, Mini Golf, and Waterslides at an adventure park.
How you Enjoy the Ride: Staying active all the time with family and friends.
William Morris
Unit Leader – Crooked Hammock Brewery | N. Myrtle Beach. SC
Where is the best place you’ve ever been?: Pinehurst #2
What is your favorite quote?: “Brothers don’t shake hands, Brothers gotta hug” Chris Farley
What would be the title of your memoir?: ” It doesn’t matter if people are looking, this is me”
How do you Enjoy the Ride?: I enjoy playing golf, spending time with my wife Kristin and daughter Riley, and watching all things Auburn Tigers!!
Anything else you want us to know about you?: Was on wheel of fortune in 2011.
David Schell
Director of Team Development
Where is the best place you’ve ever been?: The best place I have ever been is Amber Ox in Virginia! Not only was it the first place my wife and I went on vacation, but they have outstanding beer and food!
What is your favorite quote?: There are so many great quotes… “People never care how much you know until they know how much you care” – John C. Maxwell
What would be the title of your memoir?: From Living an Empty Life to Living Life Full
How do you Enjoy the Ride?: I Enjoy the Ride by spending time with my amazing family! My wife and I love exploring new Restaurants and Breweries. Heading back to the shore (Ocean City NJ) to spend time with my family and friends.
Billy Lucas
Owner/Culinary Director- Taco Reho
Where is the best place you’ve ever been? Anytime I’m at a concert, preferably somewhere near the front (or backstage.)
What is your favorite quote?: My favorite quote is, “are you going to eat that?”
What would be the title of your memoir? The title of my memoir would be Up Till Now…
How do I enjoy the ride? I love rockin’ tacos while blasting music with my friends and making people smile.
Ingrid Dellatorre
Directory of Culinary – Big Chill
Where is the best place you’ve ever been?: Turks and Caicos
What is your favorite quote?: Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, and dreams are forever. – Disney
What would be the title of your memoir?: Never obey all the rules or you will miss all the fun
How do you Enjoy the Ride?: time off boating, snorkeling and traveling
Anything else you want us to know about you?: Having been a former pro athlete, it ingrained in me the drive to keep pushing the envelope in work and play…. even as I get to be closer to a “woman of a certain age…” LOL!!!!!!!