Contributors

Kerri Affronti / PRZ Male & Female Dynamics Expert

Kerri Affronti is known for being an expert in Male/Female Dynamics. Professional Speaker and Trainer, who shows women and men how to be seen, heard, and celebrated in their true essence. She has helped men and woman around the world understand the most basic instincts of men and women in the world of dating and relationships. She has worked with couples on learning how to get what they need from their dating counterparts to create passion and harmony in the relationship. Kerri created The Super Sexy System to help men and women to attract supportive relationships, nourish their powerful bodies, and become sexy, now. Clients rave about the practical ideas, implementation tips, and step-by-step guidance they receive from her. She has helped thousands of women discover there courage as a woman and along the way helped out a few men in understanding the woman’s mystique. She illuminates the core of women’s behavior – how women think, feel, communicate, and relate to themselves and others. She truly bridges the gap of social dynamics between men and women.

Kweku Ankoma-Sey / PRZ Fitness and Wellness Expert

Holm “Kweku” Ankoma-Sey, originally from Accra, Ghana, is a skilled, creative, and precise Fitness Professional trainer and Coach. Kweku has 20 years of athletic and strength conditioning, functional movement and core training, while continuing to research and stay ahead in the Health and Fitness Industry. Although he has worked with both genders of different ages and backgrounds, Kweku furthered his expertise in female fitness by focusing on the effects of exercise on health concerns most important to women (osteoporosis, menopause, female fat zones, and pre-natal guidelines and post-natal issues). Other areas of research include, Active Isolated Stretching, Post-Rehab, the psychology of exercising, fascia fitness, nutrition and wellness, and exercise neuro-linguistics.

Kweku, received his BS in International Studies/ Political Science from the Virginia Military Institute, where he served as a member of the track team and later as an Assistant Track Coach. Kweku is a Certified Personal Trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine, a Certified TRX Suspension Trainer, a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and IDEA Health and Fitness Association. Kweku has worked in several fitness facilities from studios to the larger companies. He has worked with other trainers in conducting fitness camps for children and assisting a former NFL player in “Fat Burning Bootcamp.” Kweku is now the owner of Akoma Fitness, an In-Home Fitness Training business based out of Springfield, Virginia or DC/MD/VA area.

Devin Beasley / PRZ Contributor

Devin Beasley is a lover, a fighter, and everything in between. Born a child of the great state of Virginia, he has lived the lives of a hundred men in his short years. He is a self-proclaimed man of awesome, legendary even. He was a football all-star at the age of 8, baseball all-star (somewhat) during his middle school years and in college he was a breakdance extraordinaire. His lessons on love, life, pain and laughter are not merely figments of his imagination but they are the learning’s of his troubled and glorious 20′s. They are the product of many, many…many heartaches and passionate moments. The women he has lusted for and those that have lusted for him only add to his mystique. He is a child of the 80′s, a man of the millennium; Mr. Beasley, it just sounds right.

Ivan Black / PRZ Fitness Expert

Ivan Black is an AFAA certified personal trainer who specializes in sports performance training. This methodology allows clients to determine their unique set of goals, track progress, and continually increase intensity in pursuit of fitness goals. Ivan, a former semi-professional baseball, is passionate about sports performance and channels industry leading techniques to bring out your inner athlete.

Ivan currently divides his time training clients in both the general fitness and physical therapy worlds; his style seeks to bridge the gap between the two influences so as to offer his clients a truly unique and functional training experience. With the combination of clinical exercise and advanced sports performance training experience, training with Ivan guarantees to develop focus, balance, coordination, strength, and flexibility. Ivan is also a certified spin instructor and TRX instructor. Train well, Train hard!

Ethan Bishop / PRZ Contributor

Not content with the current relationship status quo and nonsense perpetuated by Hollywood and Chick Flicks, Ethan Bishop went out to set the record straight – “It’s a War Out There, Gentlemen, And The Women Are Winning!” The Unbreakable Man Laws leapt into existence like a caged hyena escaping from captivity with Ethan Bishop at the helm as the Founder and President. His actual self-anointed title is much too long to fit into one bio, however, feel free to contact him directly if you are curious.

Ethan’s impressive ability to unintentionally self-sabotage his relationships led him to create The Unbreakable Man Laws and provide a framework for men to learn from as they journey through the hazardous world of dating, where the odds seem to be stacked against them.

Since its inception, the goal of The Unbreakable Man Laws is not to seek a right or wrong way to date but to stimulate discussion between the sexes in a humorous, controversial, and endlessly entertaining manner.

Whitney Cole / PRZ Fitness Expert

Whitney M. Cole is a certified personal trainer, Pilates practitioner and nutrition counselor. She inspires clients to achieve their fitness potential with customized no-fail total-body conditioning and nutrition plans in Los Angeles and virtually at www.whitneymcole.com. Whitney’s approach is realistic, often comedic, and her contagious passion for health radiates from the videos, articles and recipes in the FITNESS AND FUEL BLOG and features in Shape, Men’s Journal, US Weekly, In Touch, Diet.com, Livestrong and other national media. Weight-loss, strength, definition, flexibility, abs of steel…whatever your motivation, helping you reach it and relish the confidence of accomplishment is Whitney.

Alexandra Cousteau / Social Environmental Advocate

Founder and President of Blue Legacy International — National Geographic Emerging Explorer Alexandra Cousteau is a water baby of the first order. She was taught to dive by her grandfather Jacques-Yves Cousteau at aged seven, and was taken on her first expedition, to Easter Island, when she was four months old by her mother Jan and late father Philippe Cousteau, Sr. The ocean was practically a family member in her upbringing and the entire globe was her crib.

Philippe Cousteau / Social Environmental Advocate

As CEO and co-Founder of EarthEcho International Philippe is dedicated to promoting the organization throughout everything he does. EarthEcho International is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2000 by siblings Philippe and Alexandra Cousteau in honor of their father Philippe Cousteau Sr., famous son of the legendary explorer Jacques Yves Cousteau.

EarthEcho envisions a world in which collective individual responsibility allows our water planet to thrive in dynamic natural balance for countless generations.EarthEcho International’s mission is to foster extraordinary leaders to take action to restore and protect our oceans.

Dr. Ruthie / PRZ Sex & Intimacy Educator

Dr. Ruthie knows that our sexuality is our most intimate form of body language in our relationships with others, and with ourselves. She works with diverse individuals, relationships and professionals who are seeking to enhance their sexual well-being and communication within a sex-positive framework. She also spreads sex-positive education through her blog, toy reviews, and brief educational videos.

Dr. Ruth Neustifter holds a Ph.D. in Child & Family Development, with advanced training in Family Therapy and Qualitative Research. She is a recognized relationship expert specializing in sexual communication and education as well as recovery from intimate partner violence. She has taught student-therapists, conducts original research, offers workshops, and mentors sex-positive professionals around the world. She is also the author of The Nice Girl’s Guide to Talking Dirty, which is available in major bookstores and Amazon.com. You can visit her online at www.ExploringIntimacy.com and on Twitter @DrRuthie.

Emma Danoff / PRZ Stylist-Wardrobe Mistress

“All people can and deserve to look good. Sometimes they just needs a little nudge, or perhaps a giant shove in the right direction.”

L.A.-based but always ready to travel, Emma has been working as a stylist for celebrities for 10 plus years. Emma is also a personal clothing designer with the ability to design, mend and fit clothing. She has ten plus years experience working on film, television, commercials, print and music videos, and a lifetime in the music industry since she was born into it. Emma has worked with celebrities such as Jason Ritter, Taylor Cole, Jodie Sweetin, Fran Drescher, Michael Bolton, Jakob Dylan, Foo Fighters, Wallflowers, Minnie Driver, Lucinda Williams, Liz Phair, Pete Yorn, Emmylou Harris and others. She has styled on tour, for red carpet and other events, lifestyle and fashion photo shoots as well as daily lifestyle.

Cookie / PRZ Relationship Expert

Background…17 years of college…3 year Professor International Business…..2 beauty queens…8 years divorce court…8 years contemplating life in the marina next to the Jefferson memorial…12 Olympics….40 years outperforming Wall Street…

Hattie Grace Elliot / PRZ Relationship Expert

Hattie’s grace stems from her ability to wear many hats: adventurist, date advisor, beekeeper, sailing captain, producer, confidante, and most importantly, connector. Ms. Grace’s intrinsic drive and business acumen have catapulted her into multiple consulting, production, fundraising, and business development projects with companies such as Vivaldi Partners, Genesis Companies, Ladies Who Launch, Brand Buzz, SOCOCO Inc., and more.

At the core of The Grace List, Hattie has refined the dating world and created opportunities for singles to revitalize their personal interests and find intriguing people that will influence their lives. As an inherently gracious host, Hattie believes in carrying yourself with grace through dating, work, and new adventures. Her combination of business and bohemia defies the typical rules of dating. But Hattie was never one for following rules anyway. Hattie Grace Elliot is one of those girls that all the guys love and all the girls want to be friends with. She’s personable, energetic, gorgeous, and a young New York professional with an enviable network of really cool people that she calls her friends. Luckily for other New York singles, Hattie brings all her single friends and all of their friends together at monthly events she plans for her company the~grace~list.

Mauro Farinelli / PRZ Fashion Expert

Fashion master Mauro Farinelli is a 12-year veteran to the industry. His list of accomplishments include a much sought after position at Saks Fifth Avenue as a personal shopper, training under Savile Row tailors and, of course, he was the creative force behind Arlington’s Denim Bar. Last year Mauro started a men’s clothing line, Wolf vs. Goat, to help men take a first step into fashion focusing on the best fabrics, trims and tailoring. Mauro is known for helping men dress better and feel more confident.

Jeremy Glass / Internet Connoisseur and Staff Writer

Born thousands of years in the past and millions of years in the future, Jeremy has been everywhere and seen everything. His humble beginnings were in the state of Connecticut, where he lived in yacht houses, wore yacht pants, and drew portraits of yachts. Upon his recent move to Brooklyn, Jeremy has spent all of his free time scouring the city for the best milkshake ever–the journey continues. As PRZman.com’s social media expert, Jeremy biggest challenge has been ignoring the urge to put “Nigerian Prince” on his business cards. In his spare time, he blasts “The Power of Love” and pretends he’s going to the year 1955. Sometimes it works.

PRZ Sports Experts / First Team Broadcasting

First Team Broadcasting (FTB) is a web based sports broadcasting coverage that provides live coverage of professional, collegiate, and high school athletics. FTB provides institutions, that may not garner top tier media contracts, the opportunity to reach fans globally no matter its size or location. Over the past five years, FTB personnel have contributed to the coverage of over 1400 events nationally across television, radio, and internet based media platforms.

Andy McEnroe / First Team Broadcasting

Mr. McEnroe leads a team of broadcast and technical professionals providing web broadcasting support and coverage to colleges and universities. As a broadcast professional, Mr. McEnroe has provided play-by-play coverage for various collegiate teams across both men’s and women’s athletics including coverage of baseball, basketball, football, volleyball, field hockey, and lacrosse. In addition, Mr. McEnroe has been a contributing broadcaster/writer for D3hoops.com and the Trident Newspaper. Prior to his journalism career, Mr. McEnroe was a letter winning collegiate baseball player at Washington & Lee University. On days away from the office, Mr. McEnroe is continually perplexed on how the English Premier League can draw over 13 million fans a year to witness its games live while only averaging two goals per contest.

Jim Plantholt / First Team Broadcasting

Mr. Plantholt brings a wealth of athletic knowledge to First Team Broadcasting and PRZ having served as a studio host, play-by-play and color commentator across various platforms including 91.5FM WLUR and FTB’s online broadcast studio. Mr. Plantholt specializes in professional baseball and football coverage having spent much of his professional life in the mid-Atlantic region. Prior to his illustrious broadcasting career, Mr. Plantholt was an all-conference collegiate third baseman. In his spare time, Mr. Plantholt enjoys kicking back with a jack and coke and enjoying all that a bar scene has to offer.

Adam Hoehn / First Team Broadcasting

Mr. Hoehn provides extensive sports expertise and has spent the past several years providing in-depth analysis and coverage of Dallas Cowboys Football, Syracuse Basketball, and Fantasy Sports, including baseball, basketball, and football. In addition, Mr. Hoehn has most recently served as a co-host of First Team Broadcasting’s Around the Water Cooler radio program and a color commentator for Washington & Lee University and Catholic University of America Football. Originally from Rochester, New York, Mr. Hoehn is well versed in New York and New England sports, and was once considered a front runner for the mascot position for the Rochester Red Wings.

Neil Sheaffer / First Team Broadcasting

You’ve heard that Bo knows baseball, well Sheaffer knows Sports! First Team Broadcasting’s Neil Sheaffer is a leading contributor to the world of sports through his in-depth research and knowledge in Michigan Wolverine Athletics, Detroit Pistons Basketball, Atlanta Braves Baseball, and San Diego Chargers Football. During his career, Sheaffer has served as Play-by-Play and Color Commentator for numerous sports across the collegiate spectrum including Football, Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, and Baseball. In addition, prior to Sheaffer’s post with First Team Broadcasting, he was a lead contributor and analyst to the hit radio program “The Monday Night Sports Beat.” Away from the office, Sheaffer enjoys traveling in Eastern Europe and is currently pursuing a juris doctor from Indiana University.

Chef Gary / PRZ Chef and Culinary Expert

Gary Robinson has held culinary positions across the globe, spanning private households to clubs and onto 5-star hotels through his travels. To name but a few, he has been Executive Chef for Shangri-la both in Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi. Head Chef to HRH The Prince of Wales in the UK, Roger Verge’s Le Moulin des Mougins in France, along with a string of internationally acclaimed restaurants across Europe.

A true exponent of a chef who is passionate about his product, Gary fervently believes that the real stars of his dishes are the ingredients themselves, and nothing is made simpler than the very best produce to work with. Nourishment and pleasure are all he wants to see at the end of each and every meal.

Adam Gobble / PRZ Home Expert

Adam Gobble (go-bull) is a self proclaimed design junkie. Having worked for several design driven startups over the years he has developed a keen eye and cool head for all things esthetically pleasing. His design philosophy; Keep it simple and personal. Adam currently lends his talents to the cult favorite home furnishings brand DwellStudio® as their International Sales and Distribution guru. Past life professional experiences include founding team member and Sales/Marketing Director at SHARPS Barber & Shop, a new-school men’s grooming company, a brief encounter with Australian skincare company Jurlique, another cult favorite, and a memorable stint at the über hip NYC boutique hotel The Maritime. He currently resides in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY, with a hyperactive Rat Terrier named Lola and his better-half Alex.

Chris Golub / PRZ Vice Expert

Christopher Golub is the definition of Renaissance man. Embracing the arts as a way of life he is accomplished in the fields of design, music, food, wine, writing and travel. Music being the one core component that is a constant in his varied life.
From a young age it was clear music would be the center of his life. At the age of seven Christophers’ first mix-tape made it’s way across the neighborhood in Philadelphia. Little did he know then it would be the start of dynamic career in the music business!

In 2009, Christopher opened Studio Orca, a musical programming business based in NYC that creates musical identities for brands. Christophers’ clients vary from independent single unit trend-setting stores to restaurant groups with over 1K locations worldwide. Chris’s compilations are heard by over 800K people every day and bettering the bottom line of his client base through an elevated environment.

Matt Browner Hamlin / PRZ Mixologist

Matt Browner Hamlin is a Washington, DC-based writer and mixologist. He’s written on cocktails, bars, and spirits at aJiggerOfBlog.com for two years, frequently traveling the country to sample the best drinks the craft cocktail movement has to offer.

Christopher Hecht / Voice Artist

Christopher Hecht used to be in the world of Commercial Real Estate, at least until it crashed. To make ends meet he took a valet job at the W Hotel in Atlanta. While working at the hotel, guests constantly remarked on the uniqueness of his voice. Finding the valet business to be unsatisfactory, he decided to “burn his boat and learn to swim” by quitting the valet job and plunging into the world of radio and voice-overs. To his delight, it proved to be an excellent gamble. After only two years of working in this field, Christopher is currently on air as a radio personality for a popular station in one of nation’s biggest markets. He’s also recording voice-overs for many companies across the globe and is represented by one of the top talent agents in Atlanta.

Ben Heidenreich / PRZ Show Co-Host

Ben Heidenreich is a soldier at heart; he’s traveled the world and has been in combat twice. Ben thinks that freedom is the natural right of all human beings. He likes to paint huge abstract canvasses and goes back country snowboarding as often as possible – preferably in Jackson Hole. As a true southern gentleman, he enjoys drinking whiskey while having meaningful conversations with beautiful women. Professionally Ben blends sharp communication skills with his results-driven philosophies to help businesses increase their revenues. He is currently a Director at Lighthouse Financial Partners, an active asset management firm in Atlanta.

Jason / Food Geek and Dating Coach

Jason is a dating coach who teaches men how to be more successful with women through his website www.Daygamer.net.

Some of his specialties include:

  • Day game (malls, bookstores, restaurants, festivals, street approaches) for which he has built quite a reputation
  • Attraction and banter (humor gets girls)
  • Body language (your own and reading theirs)
  • Social game (events, friend’s circle, speeddating, etc.)
  • Internet dating
  • Night (bar) game

If you have any questions or comments about his articles, or would like to hire him to jump-start your social life, feel free to contact him at Cuisine@daygamer.net.

Fast Eddie Johnson / PRZ Car Expert

Fast Eddie Johnson was born during a tailgating party at a NASCAR rally in the year known as 199Speed. His father was never around and his mother worked long hours making those scented pine tree air fresheners so Fast Eddie found companionship at the racetrack. From sweeping up the tears of southerners who had just lost their farm in an ill-placed bet to serving nachos to big wigs up in the suites, he knew his life’s calling was cars. He soon made enough money to get out of there and went out into the world selling his talents as a stunt driver, car tester, and air freshener spokesperson. PRZ heard Fast Eddie speaking one night at a bar in Cannes, France and knew this crazy kid had to join the team. He now is the PRZman.com Automotive Expert and we have that NASCAR parking lot to thank.

Fabian Koss

Fabian Koss originally from Argentina is the Youth Liaison in the Special Programs Section, Office of External Relations of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). He was appointed the Youth Liaison immediately following the 1995 IDB-Israel Youth Forum, which was the first time that a multi-lateral Bank brought together young leaders from around the world to discuss youth development issues. Through the Youth Development and Outreach Program, the IDB supports outreach, advocacy and project development activities. Fabian manages a worldwide network of thousands of youth leaders called The Many Hats Institute.

Keith Mandrax / PRZ Pop Culture Expert

“This is the blog that plays rough, just the way your mom likes it. What’s it about, you ask? Everything. Or rather, anything that strikes my fancy. Music, sports, women, alcohol, movies, television, pop culture, politics, tits, if it gets my goat, I’m gonna talk about it. But don’t expect me to be all serious about this crap. In fact, think of me as your older brother, who punches you in the neck when you act queer. Who am I? I currently reside in our nation’s capital, otherwise known as The Dead Zone. Standing 6’1″, 180 pounds of pure sex appeal, I bring a wealth of relevant experience to this position. I have previously been employed as a barista (which is Spanish for “loser”), a sushi chef, a forklift operator, an adult film editor, and a secret agent with a sweet yet masculine scent. I filed a patent for developing kegel exercises, but unfortunately, my patent was denied. I’ve won many awards for my work, including 1st place in a 6th grade spelling bee, a lollipop from the barber for sitting still, and my grandmother described me as “cute as the dickens” just last week. Rumor has it my mythical strength comes from drinking the tears of unicorns, but all evidence is purely anecdotal. In short, if we ever met, I would probably hate you and I would definitely fight you.”

Josh Michaels / PRZ Fine Metal Expert

Joshua Michaels didn’t know it, but he was destined to be a jeweler. A creative person, he focused on fine art, painting and the like. Summer programs and eventually art school. All the while growing up surrounded by jewelers and jewelry stores. Never a thought, that jewelry, was in fact a creative art. After a quick stint in Art School, and an even quicker stint in Corporate America, Josh landed in; you guessed it, a jewelry store. Working with a family friend running his booth in a large New Jersey jewelry exchange. Josh began hanging in the buildings jewelry shop more and more. Finally noticing that a. this was A, a business he was growing a love for and B, it’s an art. Josh then moved quickly from retail to wholesale. Landing a position with one of the countries largest branded bridal lines. He traveled the country extensively and continuously for 3 years. Until, he decided to learn more. Selling was a great moneymaker but Josh’s heart still thrived in the hands on, the fabrication, and the art. So he left the company to attend The Gemological Institute of America. There he honed his skills as a bench jeweler. Taking that new knowledge he has since, worked and managed a large southern jewelry chain, designed for a few lines. Ultimately going back to his old position as a road rep now filled with the fabrication knowledge of the creations he sold.

In the years following Josh has maintained and grown many relationships on 47th street, where the heart of the industry still beats. Now a precious metals buyer for a large precious metals refiner, Josh still travels the country keeping his ear to the ground. Watching the trends, visiting designers, stores, and manufacturers.

Sam Morgan / PRZ Staff Writer

Sam Morgan probably has more fun than you. If you’d like to challenge that statement, you’re his friend. He’s a writer living in Brooklyn which pretty much fulfills his dream from when he was growing up in North Carolina (now if he can only figure out a way to ride a dinosaur). He’s a pop culture junkie, DVD commentary listener, and makes a damn good sandwich. He’s spent nights under the stars and many mornings on the subway. His greatest influences are improv (agreement!), The Doctor, Harpo Marx, and Kelly Clarkson’s ‘Since U Been Gone.’ He’s having trouble writing in the third person (but really loves using parenthesizes if you haven’t figured that out by now). Also, if you take the letters in “Sam Morgan” and rearrange them, you get “Orgasm Man.” He would like to thank his parents for that invaluable assist.

Check out The Pop Culture with Sam: A pop culture dish with a hint of irreverence, a dash of brilliance and a heaping handful of sarcasm. best served warm.


Nate Neal / PRZ Cartoonist

Nate Neal was born in Saginaw, Michigan, on December 9, 1978. He began writing stories and drawing in early childhood. Following several obsessions and sojourns, he committed to comics as his primary artistic medium. He has created cartoons for Nickelodeon, Mad, AdExchanger.com and the influential art-comics anthology Mome. His debut graphic novel, The Sanctuary, was released in 2010 by Fantagraphics Books. He lives in New York City.

Ariana Pekary / PRZ Radio Producer

Ariana Pekary joined The Bob Edwards Show as a producer in April 2007, where she has earned a RTNDA Edward R. Murrow Award, a SPJ Sigma Delta Chi Award, a New York Festivals United Nations Gold Award, a Gabriel Award, for radio documentaries she produced. Prior to that in San Francisco, Ariana worked at two NPR stations (KQED and KALW) and KGO-ABC radio. She helped produce newscasts, a weekly news magazine, Kitchen Sisters specials, and three live, daily shows: KQED’s “Forum with Michael Krasny,” KALW’s “Your Call,” and KGO’s newscast. Ariana’s career in public radio started at NPR where she worked for the Ombudsman, helping to respond to listener questions and concerns. While there she completed NPR’s Next Generation Radio training program and temped for Weekend Edition Saturday, assisting Daniel Schorr.

Daniel Pagel / PRZ Photographer

Daniel Pagel, owner is DSP Studios, Inc., traditionally studied at Brooks Institute of Photography. He has over ten years of experience and has been published in various newspapers and magazines including Billboard Magazine. In addition to photography, Daniel shoots and edits videos. He grew up in Ohio and Michigan and has traveled to such places as Korea, Mexico, Costa Rica and across the country shooting and teaching photography and videography.

Sarah Bentley Powell / PRZman Fashion Expert

Sarah Bentley Powell offers style consultations and services tailored to fit each client. Whether you need help putting together the perfect ensemble for an important event, or are ready to overhaul and redefine your style, Sarah will assess your current wardrobe, personality and lifestyle to help you define a look that flatters your body, suits your image, and exudes confidence. With established relationships with designers, retailers, and hair and makeup artists, Sarah has the resources and talent to style your life. Check out her blog at: www.sarahstylesyourlife.com.

Carl Rowan / PRZ Motorcycle Expert

Carl Rowan has been licensed to ride a motorcycle for 19 years. He’s ridden over 100k miles on every kind of bike imaginable. Motorcycles are in his blood. Carl grew up riding with his dad and brother. He feels safer on 2-wheels. It is one of the last cheap thrills. It’s his magic carpet ride. “GOOOOOO!!! 46 motoGP rules.” Carl’s dream race is the Isle of Man TT. “gain, “motorcycles, no worries.”

Johnny Santiago / Reverend and Bartender

Brooklyn born and raised, Johnny Santiago has over 20 years of experience working in the hospitality industry. His love of the restaurant world began modestly, while he was working at Bennigan’s Restaurants in New Jersey while he was majoring in finance at Rutgers University. However, Johnny would quickly go on to refine his knowledge of both front and back of house operations working with several of the country’s top restaurateurs, including Anthony Bourdain, Brian McNally, Ark Restaurant Corporation and BR Guest Restaurants. In 1997, Johnny decided to put everything he had learned about hospitality into his own operation. He designed and then opened Torch on Ludlow St. with his friend and business partner, Jim Chu. This 1940s-style supper club was one of the Lower East Side’s fine dining pioneers, and it quickly became one of the top restaurants in that then-underdeveloped part of the city. Torch would close a few years later due to an altogether ironic building fire, and Johnny moved to the West Coast for a change of scenery and to set-up a restaurant consulting business in Los Angeles. One thing Johnny’s time in LA taught him was how much he missed New York, and when he spoke with Jim Chu about the possibility of opening a new restaurant in New York, he immediately came home to the East Coast. Jo’s is a literal labor of love for Johnny. The name is inspired by Johnny’s mother, Josephine, and he has designed nearly every aspect of the restaurant, from the white marble bar to the embossed wallpaper, lighting and banquette seating. At Jo’s, Johnny is looking forward to offering guests an accessible, comfortable, classic and engaging restaurant experience. He knows that there’s much more to a restaurant than just the food, and hopes that between the service, the music and the overall vibe of the place, Jo’s will become a neighborhood joint for more than just the neighborhood.

Joseph Schott

 Joseph Schott is a recent graduate of Rutgers University and is currently waxing entrepreneurial. During his time at Rutgers, he started FYPblog, which quickly became way more popular than it ever should have been. Restless and seeking a creative outlet, Joe went on to create the gaming and internet lifestyle brand nope http://www.nopeclothing.com which has collaborated with many popular artists in creating eye-catching and subversive clothing. Through these two ventures, Joe has honed his touch for social media, marketing, advertising, blogging, and covering events. Joe is always available on twitter, @joe_schott.

Brandon R. Schrand / PRZman Book Critic

Brandon R. Schrand is the award-winning author of Works Cited: An Alphabetical Odyssey of Mayhem, Misbehavior (2013), and The Enders Hotel: A Memoir,  a 2008 Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers selection. His work has appeared or is forthcoming in The Dallas Morning News, The Utne Reader, Tin House, Shenandoah, The Missouri Review, and numerous other publications and anthologies including The Book of Dads: Essays on the Joys, Perils, and Humiliations of Fatherhood (Ecco/Harper Collins). He has a number of literary awards including Shenandoah’s 2008 Carter Prize, the Pushcart Prize, four Pushcart Prize Special Mentions, and has had Notable Essays in the Best American Essays 2007, 2008, and 2009. His nonfiction has also earned a Yaddo residency. He lives in Moscow, Idaho with his wife and two children where he teaches in the MFA Program in Creative Writing at the University of Idaho. When he’s not teaching, writing, reading, or spending time with his family, he enjoys cooking, drinking, running, and, much to his ever-lasting shame, rocking out to old-school Motley Crue.

Pamela Sorensen / PRZ Travel Expert


Pamela attended the Pennsylvania State University in State College, Pennsylvania, where she was a Tri-Delta and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communications. After graduation, Pamela continued to reside in the northern Virginia area and began her career in sales and business development, working in a variety of industries, including defense contracting, professional services, telecommunications, and executive networking. She played an integral role in the revenue stream growth and success of Net2000 Communications, Potomac Officers Club, and ExecutiveBiz, where she became partner.

In 2006, Pamela left the business world to launch the Pamela’s Punch website. Since its founding, the Punch brand has grown to include a variety of online, social, and live media assets and a team of correspondents, with plans to expand to the Los Angeles market in 2011.

Today, Pamela resides in Arlington, Virginia. Over the past few years she’s traveled to places as near as Lansdowne Resort, VA, The Boar’s Head Inn in Charlottesville, to New York, Miami, Las Vegas, and the Bahamas, to Miraval Resort in Tucson, AZ, and as far away as Morocco, Paris, and Mustique island. She continues to roam the earth ISO adventures, beauty, fun, food, style, libations, music, and the good life.

Pamela’s current leadership positions in the nation’s capital:

  • American News Women’s Club, Board of Governors
  • Trust for the National Mall’s L’Enfant Society Board member & co-Chair Media/PR
  • Fashion for Paws Executive Committee member
  • Refugees International’s Young Humanitarian Circle co-Chair
  • Once Upon a Prom Executive Committee member

Biju Thomas / PRZ Chef & Fitness Expert

Biju Thomas is lifelong cyclist and self taught chef who has worked with celebs and top athletes alike. Along the way he’s worked with some of the biggest names in Pro Cycling including Lance Armstrong and Levi Leipheimer. Biju writes about food at MapMyFitness.com and is co-author of “The Feed Zone” with Dr. Allen Lim of Team Radio Shack, coming out Fall 2011 from Velo Press.

Biju will be contributing on all fronts of cooking, cycling, eating and living well. Follow him on Twitter @bijuthechef or “Biju” at mapmyfitness.com.

Marcus Taylor

 Marcus Taylor, owner of Aurelius Training and contributing fitness expert to First Team Broadcasting, is an American Kettlebell Club Fitness Instructor and Coach, World Kettlebell Club Master Trainer, USA-W Sports Performance Coach and NSCA-certified personal trainer. Taylor has seven years of experience in one on one, small group and class training aimed at functional fitness and weight loss for all ages. He provides expert instruction in bodyweight, weightlifting and kettlebell techniques. In addition, he implores therapeutic pre and post workout recovery methods. In his spare time, he is a competitive kettlebell athlete (founder of the Chocolate City Kettlebell Club) and participates in many 10K Runs and Sprint Triathlons.

Michael Walton / World Class Sprinter

World-Class, professional Track and Field athlete with a heart for guiding young lives and a passion for community activism. Michael, under the direction of legendary track and field coach Al Joyner, has garnered an international reputation as a top sprinter. It is his belief that true success is measured not only by accomplishments but also by what we are willing to invest in our next generation. Through the Foundation, he has had a profound impact on our young people and continues to create opportunities that educate them while inspiring them to be great.

The Michael Walton Foundation is an organization that provides positive outlets for youth and young adults through creative programs and services. As an organization we target those who may not ordinarily be afforded the opportunities that we offer. While the organization currently focuses on a particular segment of the metropolitan DC community (Minority youth grades 6th – 12th), the foundation has a dedicated growth plan that will expand the target market both culturally and geographically.

Philip Wolff / PRZ Celebrity Stylist

Aside from being a celebrity hairstylist at Prive Salon in Los Angeles, Philip Wolff is also one of Prive’s International Artistic Educators. Over the span of ten years, Philip has traveled worldwide to fulfill his passion for hair, whether it be behind the chair, education, runway, editorial, red carpet, television, or film. Philip finds most of his inspiration from his fellow Artistic Team members, as each and every one of them brings a different view and strength to the table. After years of experimenting and refining different cutting and styling techniques, it has allowed Philip to apply them to every avenue of his career. As Philip continues to grow in this industry, he is a firm believer in sharing back what he has learned and will continually do so.

“The ever evolving, progressive nature of this industry and constant involvement in education is what fuels us all to be the best artists we can be. Without it, we will lack the ability to unlock our limitless potential.”