This week's brother interview is on brother Greg McDermott '01!
1. Your name, as you would prefer it to be stated?
Greg McDermott
2. Your current location?
2. Your current location?
West Deptford, NJ
3. Your Facebook/Twitter/LinkedIn account links (or other websites as well)?
I have Facebook and LinkedIn, but I don’t have the links. Here’s my IMDB page:
Fraternity Stuff:
4. Badge Number?
36
5. Pledge Class Name?
Gamma
6. Fraternity Nickname, if you remember it?
Mr. Courteous
7. Story behind how you got your nickname, if you remember it?
It started when a bunch of us were joking around with a brother who had just broken his right hand. Someone asked him how he was going to… I’ll just say “take care of himself”, but it was phrased in a more vulgar manner. So I jokingly said that people really should do that with their left hand, as we shake hands with our right. Ken Whelan then quipped that it was very considerate of me. At least I remember him saying “considerate” but by the time nicknames were picked, it morphed into “courteous.”
8. Your fondest memory of being a Phi Psi?
Impossible to pick just one. Even my memories of just hanging out doing nothing were great.
9. Your most embarrassing moment as a Phi Psi?
I can’t say I was ever embarrassed as a Phi Psi. The closest that I can think of was when Ben told me my nickname. Not because of the actual story that led to the name, but because he wasn’t present that day and there must have been a gross miscommunication when the story was recounted to him. “You’re Mr. Courteous because… something about you <blank> while shaking someone’s hand?” It was more humorous than embarrassing, but there was quite a few seconds where I was very confused, before it got cleared up.
10. Your proudest moment as a Phi Psi?
There are several moments, but one that stands out is when we had to make a decision on whether or not to support another organization that wasn’t being treated fairly. We made the hard decision rather than the easy one.
11. Any fraternal advice you would give to an undergraduate Phi Psi today?
As you get older, time accelerates. When you’re young and starting college, it may seem like life is moving at a proper pace, but college goes by fast; much fast than high school. And when you graduate and get married, the years go by even faster. Make sure that you make the most of your time, reasonably and responsibly.
12. When was the last time you visited Rowan or the chapter?
It’s been a few years. I live close, but I travel a lot.
13. What is favorite event the chapter holds?
Initiation
14. Who's the 1 brother you want to reconnect with / see interviewed here?
Can’t possibly pick just one. But if I had to narrow it down, I’d say the rest of my pledge class: John Herman, Jay Antenucci, Joe Westenberger, and Nick Cody.
15. Name 1 friend you made in NJE you still keep in touch with...
I’m tempted to say Steve McDermott, but that would be cheating. It would have to be Ken Whelan. We work in the same industry (he got me my first job, and I can’t tell you how hard it was to not call him “Paco” in a professional environment).
Career Stuff:
16. Year you graduated from Rowan?
2002
17. Degree(s) you graduated Rowan with?
MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering
18. Any advanced degrees or certifications you have?
I was a bit unique in that I went to Rowan for my masters, so I’ll answer this question in reverse, and say that I received my BS degree from Rutgers.
19. Your current occupation?
Sales Engineer at Amag Technology
20. Number of years in that occupation?
This specific role, about a year and a half.
21. Any career advice you would give to an undergraduate Phi Psi today?
If money and career are your goals (not saying that they should be) then plan on changing jobs a few times when you are young. By the time you are married and supporting a family, changing jobs will be a lot more difficult because job security will be vital. But when you are young, you have a lot more flexibility. But regardless of your career path, try to never burn bridges.
22. What's one piece of advice you'd give every undergraduate about networking?
When entering the workforce, be willing to take a job below your desired goal at first. I had to do temp work for two-years before I really started making a career. You never know who you are going to meet and how they can change you.
Relationships/Family/Personal Stuff:
23. Are you currently in a relationship? If so, with who and for how long?
I’ve been married to my wife, Tina, for 6 years. I met her during Summer classes at Rowan.
24. Do you have kids? If so, how old and their names?
Though technically accurate, I don’t refer to Matthew as my “step” son. He is my son, and he’s 14-years-old.
25. Hobbies that you are currently into? What do you like to do in your spare time?
Unfortunately, don’t really have spare time any more. The closest I have to a current hobby is working out. When I do find time, I like to write (screenplays and short stories mostly).
26. Anything you would like to share with other brothers through the blog regarding your relationship/family/personal life?
Interesting coincidence, but it turns out that Charlie Zimmerman is the Assistant Principal at my son’s middle school.
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