From the classrooms and football fields of Sachem East to leading one of Long Island’s premier safety supply companies, this Sachem alumnus has built a career rooted in perseverance, vision and community service.
Alongside his wife, Jen, and their growing family, he continues to expand the family business, G-Rock Handcovers, while creating opportunities for others through meaningful community partnerships.
He reflects on the lessons he learned at Sachem – graduating from Sachem East in 2006 -, the mentors who shaped his journey, and the advice he hopes today’s students will carry with them.
Tell us what you’re up to today. Tell us about your career, family and community involvement.
I’m married to my wife, Jen, and we have two wonderful children: my son, Rocco, who is named after both my father and me, and our new baby girl, Sorella. Jen recently became a registered nurse and now works with schools across Long Island.
Professionally, I took over my father’s PPE and safety supply company and have had the privilege of growing it into one of Long Island’s leading safety suppliers. Today, we proudly serve major utility, construction and industrial companies throughout the tri-state area.
What was your experience at Sachem like?
My experience at Sachem was incredible. I was very outgoing, built lifelong friendships, and developed relationships that continue to this day. In fact, I’ve become close friends as an adult with fellow Sachem alumni I barely knew in school. The Sachem community has always had a way of bringing people together.
How did Sachem help shape your career journey?
Sachem gave me confidence and encouraged me to believe in myself. My father started our business as a one-man operation, but I had a vision of growing it into something much larger. That confidence to dream bigger and pursue more came in large part from the teachers, coaches and community at Sachem, who always made me feel that the sky was the limit if I was willing to work for it.
Were there any teachers, coaches or advisors who made a lasting impact on your life?
Every teacher influenced me in one way or another, but the varsity football coaching staff had a particularly lasting impact. They taught us discipline, accountability, teamwork and what it meant to compete with pride. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my career and personal life.
Tell us about your involvement with the Winters Brothers program.
I first got to know Winters Brothers through business when they became one of my customers. Through that relationship, I learned about the Winters Center for Autism and its incredible mission of creating meaningful employment opportunities for adults with autism.
The organization is dedicated to helping adults with autism develop job skills, find employment and build fulfilling careers. I saw it as an opportunity to make a difference by providing employment opportunities, and it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. The individuals I’ve had the privilege of working with are hardworking, dedicated and truly amazing people.
What is the best advice you can give to today’s Sachem students?
Always believe you’re capable of achieving more than you think. Never let the fear of failure stop you from chasing your goals. Dream big, work hard every day, and keep moving forward, even when things get difficult.
Success doesn’t happen overnight, but if you stay committed and never give up, amazing things can happen.
What else would you like to share about your life or career?
I’m excited to continue growing our business while finding new ways to give back to the community. I look forward to building on what we’ve accomplished and making a lasting, positive impact for years to come.
