Meet John

I think I speak for everyone here when I say TGIF because it's been a looooong week. I hope that this weekend is as lengthy as everyone needs it to be, and hey, if two days is enough for you, I applaud your efficiency with your free time. Our final "Meet AmeriSpan" entry for the week is all about John. He's the President and Co-founder of AmeriSpan, and he's the most recognizable because he's the only guy here. To sum John up in a few words, I'd say he's committed, focused and maybe a little crazy for the amount of time he can sit in front of a computer. I'll stop before I get fired... Anyway, have a great weekend!

Where are you from?
Born near Detroit on August 8, 1963

What's your sign?
Leo - Anne-Marie and I are both born on the same day.

How long have you been with AmeriSpan?
Since it was called Study Programs and its office was in a one bedroom apartment. Feb 1993, Mar 1993 was incorporated as AmeriSpan. Still remember desperately cleaning the apartment when one of our first clients and her father wanted to stop by "the office" in May 1993.

What are your current favorites?
Books: Guerilla Marketing ~ Jay Conrad Levinson, Hawke ~ Ted Bell, Jitterbug Perfume ~ Tom Robbins
Music: In the car it is WIP Sports Radio. The Darkness, old Oasis, early Prince but usually whatever my wife is listening to.
Television: The Shield, Boston Legal, Best Week Ever, Saturday Night Live and Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List
Movies: Good Will Hunting, Silverado (favorite western, yes, I like Westerns - thanks dad) The Sixth Sense, The Lord of the Rings (don't tell my wife!!!)
Sports: Flyers - hockey is my favorite sport. Season tickets. Phillies, usually listen to every game and as usually my heart is broken. Like the Philly Fan Misery index here.

What do you do in your spare time?
What spare time? I work 15+ hours/day. I read about current events and follow the local sports teams. Like to travel - obviously...

What is your favorite place in the world and why?
Has to be Philadelphia. A big city where you know everyone. Iguazu Falls is the best natural wonder I have seen. Inca Ruins in Machu Picchu, Peru is the coolest man-made thing and Saquerema, Brazil has the best beaches I've seen...great body surfing

What is your favorite food?
Spaghetti as evidenced by my waistline. I love eating at my in-laws' who were born Italian and usually have two full kitchens in their house. Opt for Chinese and Indian takeout often, but I really miss the following three things from Michigan:
- Pink Peppermint Ice Cream (found at Stroh's Ice Cream Parlor in Birmingham, Michigan)
- WinSchueler's Cheese spread and crackers
- Vernors soda, especially when I'm sick

What is your favorite drink?
Lemonade. Yuengling Lager

What is your favorite time of year?
Fall - usually get to travel and relax a bit after busy high season. I like the cooler temperatures but still not too cold yet.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what five things would you have to have and why?
I don't need much...

• Stuff to read
• A comfortable chair to lounge
• Marina (my wife) - she makes me laugh and "gets" me
• Access to the sports scores - at least baseball and hockey - I'm addicted to sports.
• A fan if it is hot