• What is (was) your day job?
For almost 20 years, I have been the President of Santacruz Associates. We specialize in acquiring right of way for government agencies to be used for highway reconstruction projects and other public infrastructure projects (such as the O’Hare Modernization Program). We act as facilitators in the acquisition process working with the property owners attempting to close the transaction before the agency begins the condemnation process.
Fifteen months ago, my wife and I opened a Mathnasium franchise in the Glen Town Center. Mathnasium is a Math Learning Center specializing in tutoring children from 2nd to 12th grade. Having been the recipient of many blessings in my life, I wanted to give something back to the community. I cannot think of a better way to do that than helping children learn.
Mathnasium is the leading math-only enrichment and tutoring center that builds number sense, math confidence and a love of math. We believe in teaching kids math the way that makes sense to them. Our goal is to significantly increase children’s math skills, understanding of math concepts, and overall school performance, while building confidence and forging a positive attitude toward the subject.
We are in the process of exploring the opening of our second Mathnasium center in Winnetka. We will keep you posted on our developments.
• What is your favorite book? or book genre?
I love reading but do not have a favorite genre. My favorite book was "The Godfather" by Mario Puzo.
• What are your hobbies?
I love scuba diving and wish I could do it more. My son, Austin, become certified at 11 and has become my dive partner. We spent a week this past summer at Sea Base in Islamorada diving.
I also love coaching little league baseball. I began coaching my junior year of high school when I was cut from my high school team. I coached through law school and now am having the best time of my life coaching my two boys, Austin and Dylan.
• What do most people NOT know about me?
That I always wanted to work with children in an educational capacity. For many years, it has been through coaching that I would fulfill this passion. Using coaching as a vehicle, I would help my players learn important life lessons. Now, I have the opportunity to help kids with more important needs --tutoring in math.
• What aspect of Rotary makes you passionate to be involved?
The local aspect in that each club has the opportunity to decide on its own how it can impact and assist its own local community. I love that I am also able to help others in need miles away due to the expansive reach that Rotary has all over the world. Hearing from the local organizations we help and learning about the projects Rotary does around the globe makes me proud to be a part of Rotary.