Get to Know Jack
Where you are from? I grew up in a small northeastern town near Cleveland, Ohio.
Your background/experience in hospitality: I came to hospitality by way of working with artists and entertainers as a personal and production assistant.
Hobbies and/or interests: I love to see cabaret acts, I’m almost always hungry to see theatre performances. I also love nature: biking, hiking, camping, and the beach.
Things you love about New York City: I love our Parks! I love that the city is never “finished”, but rather, always changing. I love the people (and dogs!) walking around that make it so alive. I love it’s history and even for all its quirks and annoyances...where else?!
Your favorite types of requests: I love ticket requests. I love to know I am helping to get somebody to a concert or to the theatre because I actually believe it’s the songs heard/sung that make the world go around. I love research-based requests. I love to play around in Google maps or look into gifts. I love anything that allows for creativity and collaboration.
Anything you particularly love about working at Four Hundred: I love that I continue to learn and absorb from those around me, colleagues and members alike. I love that get to be authentically myself and needn’t conform to some modified version of myself. I love that the work we do inspires my travel and culinary dreams.
What’s your go-to bed ritual? It’s sort of full on. I fall asleep nightly to SONOS rain sounds but only after the blackout shades are down, my cool mist humidifier and lavender aromatherapy diffuser are on, the bed has been sprayed with linen mist and I’ve applied my hyaluronic acid and creams. I sleep in silk pajamas with an eye mask if needed. Even though I know it’s advised against, I watch a few Tiktok videos before dosing off alongside my dog.
Dream country to visit? I’m really eager to visit Cartagena, Colombia. During the pandemic I studied Spanish with an online tutor from Colombia and learned so many beautiful things about her culture that I would love to experience IRL. I’m thinking beachfront hotel, in person Spanish classes and lots of great music and food.
Style icon? When I’m performing, I love to reference all the sparkly sequins pieces that Harry Styles wears. The rest of the time, I almost prefer a boring, classic, uniform aesthetic. I go bananas inside a Todd Snyder.
What’s one ingredient you put in everything? Chili crisp. I accidentally got hooked and it’s been tested on nearly every savory food as well as atop ice cream on one occasion.
What 3 people living or dead would you like to make dinner for? This question is too fun; there are so many combinations! I’d go the gay icon route: Judy Garland, her incredible daughter Liza Minnelli and add RuPaul as a wild card. Can you imagine that dinner?!
What’s your current TV obsession? Really enjoying Kate Winslet’s performance in The Regime on HBO Max as well as Palm Royale on Apple TV.
Favorite piece of clothing you own? Probably a pair of navy glitter boots by Simon Fournier.
How do you define luxury? I’m a Taurus and longtime New Yorkers so luxury is always on my mind. Several aspects must come together to create the apotheosis of luxury. It’s not just good taste and curiosity, it’s also about being present, demonstrating gratitude, slowing down to actually savor and enjoy the moment, realizing you’re experiencing something that was once a dream. It’s also shopping on Mr. Porter whilst poolside and paloma in hand.
Favorite place to view art? Joe’s Pub is a church and I’m a part of the congregation. They program some of the most resonant live performing arts in the city. I’m there a ton throughout the year and almost always leave with an inspired mind.
Summer or winter? Because I grew up in Ohio, went to college in Chicago and have lived in NYC for almost 13 years (with a little stint in London), I cannot handle the cold anymore. Although I am a sweaty man, I LOVE summer. I love wearing tee shirts and sandals to walk my dog and not have to bundle up. If you’re reading this and you have tips on how to successfully become a snowbird, I’m all ears.
Best thing to happen to you today? The moments when my dog magically reminds me how precious life is.
Celebrity crush? Ricky Martin can get it! How does a person look that good? Age so well? Just wow…
Contributor — Four Hundred