I always knew I had a true passion for Buffalo, but for the longest time I couldn’t figure out why (cue the reasons: long winters, mediocre sports, dysfunctional politics, yadda yadda). The light didn’t really go on until I started thinking about writing my grandfather’s eulogy when his health began to deteriorate in 2010. Throughout his last years I asked a lot of questions and learned a lot about him and our family history.

My great grandfather immigrated through Ellis Island at the turn of the century and found work in Buffalo. His job: paving city streets. My grandfather followed in 1939. His trade: laying concrete driveways and sidewalks. In the literal sense, my family built the Buffalo we know today. Now I’m in no way capable of the backbreaking work they did, but I do work hard and definitely feel I can follow their lead and leave my mark as well.

I’m constantly searching for ways I can be part of the solution – even if I don’t know the specific problem. I’m passionate, optimistic, motivated, and love to communicate. So here I am, and Hello Hertel is one way I will share great North Buffalo neighborhood stories.

I have more interests and hobbies than time permits me to indulge in. When I’m not working as a Marketing Pro, I’m usually contributing to some type of professional or volunteer endeavor. Find me on LinkedIn if you’d like to learn more.

It goes without saying that I’m a loyal Bills and Sabres fan (also a season ticket holder). Fortunately, I’m also a die-hard Yankees fan, so I do know what it’s like to experience winning on a regular basis! I play volleyball year round, golf in the summer, touch football in the fall and spring, bike the Ride for Roswell annually, and hopefully soon I’ll start messing around with ice hockey.

I love music and try to see as many concerts as possible. I’ve seen Dave Matthews 51 times, but if Elvis were alive he’d command my ticket money. I also try to play the guitar. I’m getting better. Seriously.

Any extra money I come across gets spent on travel (and Karen, of course). Having been to seven countries, 24 Major League Baseball stadiums and countless concerts, travel is important. What’s left goes to red wine. A lot of it.

That’s my story. And if these blogs just aren’t enough for you, give me a follow on twitter: @CharlieFlash23. Cheers!