Brother Interview: Jeff Pratz '00

This week's brother interview is brother Jeff Pratz '00!

Basic Stuff:
1. Your name, as you would prefer it to be stated? 

Jeffrey Robert Pratz, Esquire! or Jeff for those of you who know me best. I have also been known as “OH your PRATZ” or “Pratzy” Hell just call me something, I can’t hear you half the time anyway so if you’re calling me something inaudible I will more than likely respond and you can laugh at me for not hearing you. So I guess people call me Deaf too. Kind of rhymes with Jeff so close enough. While we’re on the subject I guess my name “as I prefer it to be stated” varies with the situation. I like to be called sir by those who need to learn a lesson, and sometimes people have misspelled my name and some of those I would prefer in certain situation. But in this particular situation just call me Jeff.

2. Your current location? 

I currently reside at [address removed] Philadelphia, PA but that will soon change but I will still be in Philadelphia. Unless I can find cheaper housing outside the city which I may entertain depending on where it is, how long it will take me to get to work, and will it be better in terms of rent. So right now I live in Philly!

3. Your Facebook/Twitter account links?

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jeff.pratz

Twitter: @Jeffrey_Esquire

LinkedIn: Jeffrey Pratz

Skype: jeff.pratz

Waze: gtoutamylane

Snapchat: stonelaw

PS3: stonelaw

Pintrest: JeffreyPinalot

Instagram: Jeff_Esq

Goodreads: Jeffrey

Fraternity Stuff: 

4. Badge Number? 

14

5. Pledge Class Name? 

Colony Class Beta

6. Fraternity Nickname, if you remember it? 

Longwind!

7. Story behind how you got your nickname, if you remember it? 

The story behind my nickname is very long so before you read any further, grab a beer, turn some soothing music on and dim the lights, because you will enjoy the story if you don't have multiple distractions. 

It all began when John Distefano, who might I add can be even more longwinded than me, introduced me to this wonderful fraternity. John and I would talk for hours and days on end about his poor cat or football, sometimes his 100 gallon fish tank, other times about his two ferrets that lived in the closet with one of the Folsoms. We would discuss his cat pissing all over my place and how he could not live without it. 

During my pledging I am sure my big, Marc Chaty, who is another soul who has no equal and can ramble on about topics far above my intellect (or interest), was burdened by my constant analogies and stories. You see I can pretty much analogize anything, and provide a good moral and story impromptu. I suppose this would have been enough for my nickname but it did not simply end there. 

I am somewhat stretching to even phantom what Chaty was thinking, since my feeble mind cannot even begin to explain what went into my nickname, but I am sure it had to do with my constant talking about this or that with Steve Brahney, Armando Sorchini, Rob Wiedman (when he graced me with a conversation that is), Chaty, and of course my constant verbal sparring (always moderated by Armando) with Rozycki. Like always though once Chaty graced me with arguably the most infamous and appropriate nickname in the fraternity, I wore it with pride and made it my bitch!

I did this by quoting from many books during pinning and initiations, discussing the finer things in life with Chris Hammer for HOURS. Talking people like Shane Walsh into joining (I wondered for years why I did this, but can honestly say we are lucky to have such a colorful person like Shane to call brother) and just sitting in the Pit for hours discussing life and plans.

I could go on forever, as most of you have come to expect, but suffice it to say that if you need someone to talk to, I enjoy it and will never be short on words. It started with a good nickname and has since been a badge I wear with pride. Thank you Chaty for giving me the opportunity to be infamous for at least a well stated nickname!

8. Your fondest memory of being a Phi Psi? 

I would definitely have to say spring break (my memory fails me on the year) with Rick (Pledge) Pelletier, Justin (Tuna) Smith, Doug (Chef) Kennedy, Eugene (almost legal) Bayawa with guest appearences from Armando Sorchini, Ben (leave him behind) Schwedes, Steve McDermott and I think that is it. There were a lot of firsts on that trip, one almost last, and many many fond memories which can be summed up with Swedish porn and line dancing while playing with homeless men then finding the key to the spaceship in the middle of a full blown party, after we stood on the benches for all to see what color the moon was, while we walked up mountains for the first time and saw nature from the side of the road, all the while getting sideways in the rain counting the number of times the captain said the F word. What a trip! 

9. Your most embarrassing moment as a Phi Psi? 

I try to forget them since there are so many, but I am sure someone could give you content to put here. Hell everyone could if they really thought hard.

10. Your proudest moment as a Phi Psi? 

My proudest moment is always being there when the brothers I am closest to have major life events. I have been in and a part of or at many weddings, births, and family events, these are my proudest moments as a phi psi. 

I am similarly proud to have gone to Memphis to petition for our chapter’s charter. Ultimately the torch was held and carried by many but the Rozycki’s, Hammer and myself stood there and petitioned to the national board why they should take a chance on such a small group. I am proud to say that we convinced them to take a chance and it makes me proud to see where we are today. A ton of sweat, late nights, and tears went into making this chapter grow, I am proud to have stood next to and worked with every one of the founders to make a dream a reality that continues to grow to this day. I am proud that I was simply a part of it.

11. Any unique memories from your time as a Phi Psi? 

Um yes a ton, but you will have to come buy me a beer to hear them! (You're welcome)

12. Any fraternal advice you would give to an undergraduate Phi Psi today?

Out of character I will say that the best advice I can give is call me before you do anything you think might be risky! I am always good for more advice than that, but I will save all of you from reading it here since, my advice, is usually very specific. Generally I would say fear nothing and respect everyone.

13. When was the last time you visited Rowan or the chapter? 

I was there briefly for the Alumni BBQ but would love to be invited more often. I would need the invitation because it is weird if a brother as old as me just stopped by right? So I would love to come around more often but feel weird unless invited.

14. What is favorite event the chapter holds? 

Alumni BBQ. I like brining my nieces and nephews since I don’t have kids yet and like to see everyone I don’t see but the BBQ. Homecoming comes in second but I really like the BBQ

15. Who's the 1 brother you want to reconnect with / see interviewed here? 

I would love to hear what John Distefano is up to. We are friends on Facebook but he brought me in and I would love to hear his answers to these fine questions.

16. Name 1 friend you made in NJE you still keep in touch with...

I still keep in touch with quite a few people even if it is sporadically for some, but Rick, Ryan, Eugene, Nick Stepanoski, Russ, Wolvin, occasionally Farally, Tuna and Hammer, and others on Facebook.

Career Stuff: 

17. Year you graduated from Rowan? 

2003

18. Degree(s) you graduated Rowan with? 

BA – Psychology; BA- Law and Justice; Minor in Philosophy

19. Any advanced degrees or certifications you have? 

Yes I have a Juris Doctorate from Widener Law and I am licensed to practice in NJ and PA. I also have an open water scuba diving certification and I am a Private Pilot VFR rated.

20. Your current occupation? 

Professional Slave – AKA Attorney

21. Number of years in that occupation? 

6 years

22. Any career advice you would give to an undergraduate Phi Psi today? 

DO NOT BECOME AN ATTORNEY! If you need confirmation of this, talk to Stavan Prasad or Greg Dilorenzo. Go be an engineer or something in the hard Sciences.

23. What's one piece of advice you'd give every undergraduate about networking?

Do it but do it purposefully with a goal in mind. Just going out and meeting people is nice but know what you want from people and what you can do for them. That is how you make it enjoyable.

Relationships/Family/Personal Stuff: 

24. Are you currently in a relationship? If so, with who and for how long? 

I am currently with my girlfriend Melissa for 8 months.

25. Do you have kids? If so, how old and their names?

I don’t think so but this is why I hide on father’s day so no one comes and claims me as their daddy!

26. Hobbies that you are currently into? What do you like to do in your spare time? 

I could write another book here but I am into everything outdoors. I shoot competitively (3gun and pistol) love hiking and running, work out, ride motorcycles, fly and try to do just about anything. If you need someone to do something with call me, it is likely I have already done it or want to do it.

27. Anything you would like to share with other brothers through the blog regarding your relationship/family/personal life?

I am not good at this aspect so if you want to know if it will work in your own life, give me a call. It is likely I have tried it, failed and can give you at least a good story when it comes to relationship/family/personal life.