How old are your kids? Our oldest Jett will turn 4 in August, Jag turns 2 in August and our baby boy Jones is 3 months old.
What has been the hardest thing about raising kids and working full time with long hours? Having enough of myself to give to the family. They deserve the best of me. In my line of work, I’m always giving my time, energy, and compassion towards others in their quest for self-improvement.
How did you end up where you are now in terms of your job, or whatever passion project it is you might be doing? The old adage “luck is where opportunity meets preparation”. I am a personal trainer in Westport, and enjoy working with clients to tailor a plan for their body and lifestyle. At this point in my career, I’ve honed my skills, built a great network that trusts me, and I truly care so deeply about everyone I work with. I am currently on tour with Charlie Puth. It’s been a great experience that has allowed me to grow even more in my profession.
What is your favorite family activity to do in Westport or the surrounding towns? I am thrilled that it’s almost summer time and Friday nights at the beach are back in play.
What was your most memorable family vacation and why? Miami. The family came along as we put the finishing touches on a gym installation we did for YotelPad. It was great to celebrate its completion with some much needed beach, pool, and Joe’s key lime pie.
What is your proudest daddy moment? My oldest son was being a bit rough with his younger brother. We explained to him that his brother just wanted to play and be like him and then proceeded to ask him, “Like who’s your favorite superhero? Who do you want to be when you grow up?” Jett responded with “You, daddy”. That melted my heart and my eyes instantly welled up.
What’s your favorite app or gadget right now? My app 🙂 https://ericjohnson.app/
What’s your favorite sport to play and/or watch (who do you root for?) And/or what’s your workout of choice? Football – go Patriots! Back on board now until Tom Brady comes out of retirement. For workouts, I’m partial to strength training but mix in hot yoga with Annie Leeks, running, and the occasional Peloton.
What’s your favorite restaurant in town for a family dinner? Friends? For family dinner, we love Via Sforza. With friends, The Whelk or Don Memo are go-to’s.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you? I struggled with my weight in my adolescent and high school years. In the third grade, I had to cut weight just to make the youth football team. I did so by running with a garbage bag around my upper body.
If you had 24 hours to do whatever you wanted – what would you do? To be honest, not much different from my normal routine. I probably wouldn’t be waking up at 4 am but I’d love to have breakfast with the family since I rarely do, hit a great workout, grill a nice steak with a side of bucatini amatriciana and glass of Cabernet, and hang with the boys and my wife. Simple and perfect.
What is your greatest regret? Trying to hang onto the city life too long and not moving back to CT faster.
What’s your drink of choice? Water with electrolytes. Haha. But if we’re talking about alcohol, I’m partial to a Margarita in the summer and an Old Fashioned in the colder months.
What is the one thing your spouse does that you are eternally grateful for? =) Everything. Melissa always calls me out when needed and helps me focus when my Gemini brain is all over the place.
What is one piece of advice you would pass along to other dads? Exercise in front of your children. Allow them to see you sweat, struggle, and succeed. They will absorb those habits and be better off in the long term from it.
QUICK THIS OR THAT:
At a movie: Candy or Popcorn? Candy – peanut butter cups
Cook or order in? Cook
Cake or Ice Cream? Ice cream
Iced Coffee or Hot Coffee? Hot – long black, to be exact
Beach or Mountains? Beach
Puzzle or Board Game? Board Game; I remain undefeated at Clue
Wine Reading or writing? Reading
Before bed: Social media or book/TV? TV
Watch or play sports? Play! I’m super competitive
Stay in or go out? Stay in
Comedy or Drama? Drama