Columbus Monthly / May 2011 / May / Single in the City

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Single in the City

Meet a sportscaster, a dog trainer, a Crew player and seven other eligible bachelors and bachelorettes, shown at their favorite places.

BILL GLOVER

EXECUTIVE CHEF AND OWNER, SAGE AMERICAN BISTRO

Glover says his life changed 10 years ago when he and a friend headed to Europe for six weeks. “It was me, my best friend and a backpack,” he says. “I think about it all of the time to this day. I did nothing but eat, drink and read about food all day.” He says he certainly applied some of his travel experiences to Sage American Bistro, which is named after his 10-year-old daughter.

AGE: 34

EDUCATION: I didn’t do culinary school, because I didn’t think it was absolutely necessary. I was around a lot of really good cooks. My mom’s side is 100 percent Italian. They served high-quality, large portions of food to tons of people. I didn’t even know it, but as a child, I was learning how to cook for parties. My dad’s mother was a chef and owner of her own restaurant, a small, 40-seater in an Amish town in western Pennsylvania.

YOUR FIRST THOUGHT WHEN ASKED TO BE A COLUMBUS MONTHLY SINGLE: That’s really cool. I’ve seen the issue before, and those are the kind of people that I’d like to know and call friends.

FUN FACT: I just applied for “Top Chef.” I had to turn in 12 references. It’s almost like a psychological evaluation. If I got on a TV show, it would be phenomenal. I have a personality, I lead my own life, I lead my own path. I don’t do things the most traditional way, but I feel really good about who I am and where I’ve gotten.

PRIZED POSSESSION: I have a rolling pin that was my great- grandmother’s, and my first knife that my first chef gave me.

DEAL BREAKER: I have a beautiful daughter, so potential partners need to like kids.

FAVORITE BOOK: Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations.

FAVORITE MOVIE: Natural Born Killers. It’s pretty rough, but I do love it.

FAVORITE MUSIC: I’ve been listening to a lot of beat-driven, electronic music. It’s what I listen to when we cook because it’s rhythmic.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: The realization of this dream that’s this restaurant. My daughter also is a major part of what I love in life.

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: G. Michael’s Bistro and Rigsby’s Kitchen. But where I really eat the most are small, family-run Asian restaurants. I love those kinds of places.

SOMETHING YOU’RE GLAD YOU DID, BUT WOULDN’T DO AGAIN: Bungee jump.

SOMETHING A LOT OF PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: I am a pretty good bass player.

DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT COLUMBUS WEEKEND: It would involve dining out, because that’s my favorite form of entertainment. Spending part of a day in Goodale Park. Eating lunch at the North Market. There’s so much cool stuff to do.

BEST FIRST DATE: I kind of don’t want to give her credit.

BEST RELATIONSHIP ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED: The key to a lasting relationship is separate bathrooms. When we are at our most intimate moments, we are naked and dirty.

DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL DATE: My favorite form of entertainment is eating. Not because I’m a glutton, I just enjoy fine food. What I like most about that is the opportunity for a conversation. Being spontaneous through an evening is fun, too. If you have a scripted set of events, and it’s not going well, that’s tough.

DESCRIBE THE QUALITIES YOU LOOK FOR WHEN DATING SOMEONE: I look for someone that has a career mindset, an appreciation for family, open-minded, outgoing, someone that can jump in and be part of a crowd.

AJ PERRY

OWNER, SASSAFRAS BAKERY

After studying graphic design in college, Perry landed a job at Limited Brands, where she worked until she was let go in 2007. “I couldn’t see myself shopping my portfolio around town,” she says. “I was laid off in July and two weeks later I had my logo designed and was set up at a farmers’ market in Gahanna.” And that’s how Sassafras Bakery was born. Perry works out of her home, and her baked goods are available at Skillet, Market 65 and the Bexley Coffee Shop, among other places.

AGE: 35

EDUCATION: B.A., fine arts, Bowling Green State University.

FAVORITE AUTHOR: Paulo Coelho.

FAVORITE TV SHOW: I don’t have a TV.

WHAT KIND OF MUSIC DO YOU LIKE? I have an eclectic mix and there are frequent impromptu dance parties in the kitchen. Those who are in heavy rotation include Michael Franti & Spearhead, Jaheim, Mary J. Blige, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kanye West, Loretta Lynn, Columbus’s own Mike Perkins, Stevie Wonder, Joe Pug, Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Ani DiFranco, Common and Trevor Hall.

PET PEEVES: People who are rude and inconsiderate.

IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH THE MONEY? I would get to work on my extensive travel wish list, starting with the South Pacific. I would build the Sassafras Bakery of my dreams—personal assistant included—and I would make a difference for my community with philanthropic contributions.

PRIZED POSSESSION: My relationships with friends and family, especially with my niece and nephew.

BEST VACATION: I loved Aruba. I just love salty air and sitting on a beach and renting a bike and riding on the island for an afternoon.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Creating Sassafras Bakery. It’s been the most challenging thing I’ve ever done and the most rewarding as well.

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: I value locally owned and operated, ingredient-driven menus, like Skillet, Market 65, Dragonfly and Jeni’s, to name just a few. Chains are avoided at all costs.

CRAZIEST THING YOU’VE EVER DONE: I am pretty adventuresome. I’ve gone skydiving. I used to compete in triathlons. I’ve done a half Ironman.

DEAL BREAKERS: Lying, cheating, abuse (physical, emotional, mental), addictions, guilt trippers, hoarders and attempts to control my personal, political or religious beliefs. And mullets.

WORST RELATIONSHIP ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED: My mom told me never say no to anyone. I rely heavily on my intuition. Sometimes I just know. At the end of the day, it’s like, “I should’ve trusted myself because that’s a waste of time.”

BEST THING ABOUT BEING SINGLE: Just having freedom to come and go as I please and not checking in with someone.

WORST THING ABOUT BEING SINGLE: Life really is better when it’s shared, whether it’s an ice cream cone or a meaningful conversation.

MY IDEAL PARTNER: Every superwoman needs a superman. He will treat me like a queen and allow me the pleasure of treating him like a king. We challenge one another to learn and grow and be our best. We both value open communication, authenticity, life’s simple pleasures and being ambitious. A healthy appreciation for dry wit and the ability to banter is essential.

DIANE MENASHE

ATTORNEY

Menashe, a criminal defense lawyer, says, “At times my job allows me to have a huge impact on people’s lives. I’d say in my career, the thing that stands out was when I represented a man who had been wrongly accused. He sat in jail for over a year facing the death penalty, and now he’s free and has his life back.” Menashe says she now understands the importance of finding balance in her life. “I make time for friends, my family and having fun. My career is important to me, but it’s not the most important thing.”

AGE: 37

EDUCATION: B.S., political science, Purdue University; J.D., Tulane University Law School.

RECENT READ: Freedom, by Jonathan Franzen.

FAVORITE TV SHOWS: “Boardwalk Empire,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “Californication.”

FAVORITE MOVIE: Anything by the Coen brothers.

WHAT’S ON YOUR IPOD? Most played would be Mumford & Sons, the Avett Brothers, Matt and Kim, Fitz and the Tantrums and French Kicks.

IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH THE MONEY? I actually wouldn’t change how I live day to day. I would donate to a few favorite nonprofits and I would build a big, rustic home on a lake in Michigan where all of my friends and family could be together for at least part of every year.

SOMETHING A LOT OF PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: That I can actually be really silly. I have a serious side because of my work.

PRIZED POSSESSION: My sense of humor. I rely on it every day.

BEST VACATION: I’ve had the opportunity to travel a lot, but I’d say Napa Valley and the jazz fest in New Orleans are always fun. And weekends in New York, just friends and the city.

SOMETHING YOU’RE GLAD YOU DID, BUT WOULDN’T DO AGAIN: I toured a corporate chicken farm when I was 12. I then became a vegetarian.

CRAZIEST OR MOST SPONTANEOUS THING YOU’VE EVER DONE: I do a lot of spontaneous things, but I’d say deciding on a Wednesday to run the Columbus Marathon on a Sunday.

DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT COLUMBUS WEEKEND: It would include all of my favorite things about Columbus: the North Market, a Buckeye game (football or basketball, depending on the season), drinks at Bodega with friends, dinner at Basi Italia on the patio, at least one long run through my neighborhood, brunch at Northstar and a Sunday dinner with my urban family.

BEST FIRST DATE: That’s yet to come.

DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL DATE: It would be something spontaneous. Location is not as important as there being great conversation, good food and some wine. If there was live music, that would definitely be a plus.

PET PEEVE: Injustice.

THOUGHTS ON STAYING FRIENDS WITH AN EX: It can be very complicated and not easy at times, but for me it’s a must. Before they were an ex, they were my good friend. Good friends shouldn’t be disposable.

BEST THING ABOUT BEING SINGLE: Closet space.

WORST THING ABOUT SINGLE: Have you ever tried to ride a tandem alone?

DESCRIBE THE QUALITIES YOU LOOK FOR WHEN DATING SOMEONE: He’s definitely got to be funny because, to me, laughter is essential. Smart, ambitious, adventurous, independent and, most important, he’s got to be kind and a really good friend.

KANTO OPMA

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, PRO ONCALL TECHNOLOGIES

A friend who submitted Opma for Single in the City says he’s like the “mayor of Columbus, with all due respect to Mayor Coleman.” You can usually find Opma in the Arena District or Short North. The friend adds, “He’s known as the social butterfly that is loved by all. He’s talented, funny, sweet, a fan of all of the local sports teams and a great guy.”

AGE: 29

HOMETOWN: Bexley.

FAVORITE BOOK: Better than Good: Creating a Life You Can’t Wait to Live, by Zig Ziglar.

FAVORITE TV SHOWS: “Entourage” and “Dancing with the Stars.” I kind of aspire to be on that show one day.

FAVORITE MOVIES: Karate Kid and Big.

MUSIC: I listen to everything but country.

ANY PHOBIAS? Roller coasters.

IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH THE MONEY? What wouldn’t I do? Everything I dreamed of having and doing. I would invest a little so I don’t become an “E! True Hollywood Story.”

BEST VACATION: My favorite city is Chicago, but I just moved back from Honolulu. When everyone is warm here, I’m still freezing.

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: A tossup between Barcelona and Indochine Cafe.

CELEBRITY DREAM DATE: It will always be Jessica Alba.

CRAZIEST OR MOST SPONTANEOUS THING YOU’VE EVER DONE: Getting in a car and driving to Las Vegas from San Diego after partying all night.

SOMETHING YOU’RE GLAD YOU DID, BUT WOULDN’T DO AGAIN: Space Mountain at Disney World. I’m terrified of amusement park rides, especially when they are in complete darkness.

SOMETHING A LOT OF PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: I’m involved in martial arts and it’s been a passion since I was 6 years old.

DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT COLUMBUS WEEKEND: Pretty much every weekend. It’s not planned. I meet up with friends, and we bar hop around the Cap and the Arena District. There’s usually lots of dancing.

WORST DATE STORY: I once went to the zoo during pollen season and forgot to take my allergy medicine. I was like a kid in winter with swollen eyes, sneezing and there were snot bubbles. I was a trouper and finished the date.

DEAL BREAKER: Jealousy. There is no bigger turnoff for me.

DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL DATE: My ideal date would be scripted like the movie Hitch. Everything goes hilariously wrong only because both people are head over heels for each other.

BEST THING ABOUT BEING SINGLE: TV control. I have yet to find a good show on Lifetime. Also, the singles table at weddings.

WORST THING ABOUT BEING SINGLE: Not having a consistent dinner partner. I love someone who is fun to eat with.

DESCRIBE THE QUALITIES YOU LOOK FOR WHEN DATING SOMEONE: Someone who is confident and holds their own and can be left alone with my friends. I live a fast-paced life, so she has to be a person that’s able to keep up with that.

JOSH WILLIAMS

DEFENDER, COLUMBUS CREW

Williams has a pretty cool job as a professional soccer player. He says he was at Crew Stadium for the very first game. “I grew up watching them. It was my dream to play for this team one day.”

AGE: 22

HOMETOWN: Akron.

EDUCATION: Cleveland State University until signing with the Crew.

FAVORITE BOOK: Open, by Andre Agassi.

FAVORITE TV SHOW: “Family Guy.”

FAVORITE MOVIE: The Shawshank Redemption.

BEST CONCERT: Chris Brown.

ANY PRE-GAME RITUALS? I listen to Lil Wayne in the locker room.

IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH THE MONEY? Make sure my family is financially set and travel the world.

BEST VACATION: Spring break last year to Panama City. Just being with all of my friends. I could do what I want and let loose.

CRAZIEST THING YOU’VE EVER DONE: Cliff diving.

SOMETHING YOU’RE GLAD YOU DID, BUT WOULDN’T DO AGAIN: Bungee jumping.

FAVORITE RESTAURANTS: Sushi Rock and Press Grill.

SOMETHING A LOT OF PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: I’m a germaphobe. I’m weird about it.

DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT COLUMBUS WEEKEND: Crew game on Saturday, then going out with all of my friends and teammates on Saturday night. On Sunday, I’d just lounge around and go for a walk around campus with a couple of my buddies.

DEAL BREAKER: When trust is violated. I can’t have a relationship without trust.

ANY BEST FIRST DATE STORIES? Not really. That’s bad. I haven’t really had one that stuck out.

WHAT ABOUT A REALLY BAD FIRST DATE? We went out to eat and the girl just wasn’t talkative at all. It was awkward. We chose to go to a movie, too, which made things worse. Overall, just an awkward experience and one I’d choose to forget.

BEST RELATIONSHIP ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED: Go with your gut instinct and always follow your heart. If it feels right, it is right.

DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL DATE: Go to a nice place to eat. Instead of going out to a movie, I’d rather pick up a movie and come home. I like the comfort of home.

DESCRIBE THE QUALITIES YOU LOOK FOR WHEN DATING SOMEONE: Best quality in a girl is a sense of humor. If a girl can make me laugh, that’s a big plus.

JONICA ARMSTRONG

ASSOCIATE BUYER, DSW.COM

Armstrong loves shoes, which is good, because she works for DSW. “Shoes make you feel sexy. And let’s face it. We don’t dress for men. We dress for other women. To have another woman say to you, ‘Oh my gosh. Where did you get those shoes?’ That’s the most exciting part,” she says.

AGE: 29

EDUCATION: B.S., business administration with marketing concentration, Tennessee State University in Nashville.

YOUR FIRST THOUGHT WHEN ASKED TO BE A COLUMBUS MONTHLY SINGLE: I can’t believe they picked me! On top of that, my boss announced it in front of my entire team.

FAVORITE BOOK: A Million Little Pieces, by James Frey.

FAVORITE TV SHOWS: Probably “Desperate Housewives” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” My life is already too realistic; I need something that’s a little crazy.

FAVORITE MOVIE: Training Day.

FAVORITE MUSIC: I’m really into R&B and hip-hop. Some pop, Top 40-type stuff. I’m starting to get more into jazz, too.

IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH THE MONEY? If it is eight figures, I’d pay bills, build my dream business, build my dream nonprofit, donate some and save a large percent.

ANY PHOBIAS? I’m not real fond of bugs.

PET PEEVE: I hate when people don’t have respect for time.

BEST VACATION: When I went to Keystone, Colorado, last year.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: I’d say buying my first home. I was young, so I’m proud of that.

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Brio Tuscan Grille.

CELEBRITY LOOK-ALIKE: People always pick the big girls. Jill Scott, depending on how I wear my hair. Or Pepa from Salt-N-Pepa. Queen Latifah, too.

CELEBRITY DREAM DATE: Idris Elba. He’s fine.

CRAZIEST THING YOU’VE EVER DONE: Snowmobiling on the Continental Divide. I tipped over and fell into 20 inches of snow.

SOMETHING YOU’RE GLAD YOU DID, BUT WOULDN’T DO AGAIN: Try caviar and quail eggs.

SOMETHING A LOT OF PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: I wanted to be a deejay.

DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT COLUMBUS WEEKEND: There has to be a party where I actually get to do some dancing and hear some new music. I’d love to be outside and people watch. I can go to the mall and not buy anything.

BEST RELATIONSHIP ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED: A former boss of mine talked about how she and her husband will sometimes write notes to each other. They put them in these little boxes. It prompted them to have more face-to-face time.

DESCRIBE THE QUALITIES YOU LOOK FOR WHEN DATING SOMEONE: I definitely look for someone who is ambitious. Everybody needs encouragement and a pat on the back. Someone who is a believer in God, who has faith. You don’t have to be super-religious and go to church 15 times a week, though. Genuinely funny with a touch of sarcasm. I love music, that’s a part of my day every single day, so someone who loves music. Someone considerate, and someone who will adore me. Height is important, too. I’m almost six feet tall with heels.

MATT BARNES

REPORTER, SPORTS ANCHOR, NBC 4

Barnes is a pretty easygoing guy. The Ohio University graduate loves sports and attending concerts. But if you want to go on a second date with him, consider this story first. “My worst date was when she started eating off of my plate during appetizers. That rubbed me the wrong way. That’s a big no-no when I’ve just met you,” he says, laughing.

AGE: 24

EDUCATION: B.S., broadcast journalism, Ohio University.

FAVORITE BOOK: To Kill a Mockingbird. I haven’t read a full book since I was told to.

FAVORITE TV SHOWS: “The Amazing Race” and “Entourage.”

FAVORITE MOVIE: The Lion King.

IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH THE MONEY? Put some away, give a lot away and then take 10 friends to Vegas and have an epic weekend.

WHAT’S ON YOUR IPOD? Pretty much anything that’s not country music.

PET PEEVE: Laziness.

BEST VACATION: Disney World when I was 8 years old. It’s never going to get better than that. I remember thinking Mickey Mouse and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were actually real.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: I’d say getting my dream job at 23 years old. Getting back to Columbus and being a sports anchor was my goal.

CELEBRITY DREAM DATE: Halle Berry. She’s a cougar now, too.

SOMETHING A LOT OF PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: I’m really bad at all sports. I’m just better at talking about them than playing them.

SOMETHING YOU’RE GLAD YOU DID, BUT WOULDN’T DO AGAIN: Live and work in Augusta, Georgia. I met a lot of great people, but it was too far away from my friends and family.

CRAZIEST THING YOU’VE EVER DONE: Only my good friends know that one.

DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT COLUMBUS WEEKEND: I’d catch an Ohio State football game on Saturday and maybe catch a concert at the LC [Lifestyle Communities Pavilion] and then on Sunday watch a lot of football. Keep it basic.

THOUGHTS ON DATING IN THE AGE OF SOCIAL MEDIA: Well, one thing is for sure. You’re not officially a couple until it says so on Facebook.

WORST RELATIONSHIP ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED: Be the bad boy because it’s not my style. The whole “being rude will make them want you more” idea. I completely disagree, and it’s never worked for me.

DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL DATE: I would cook dinner for her and then watch a great TV show or movie at someone’s place without having to go out and spend a ton of money somewhere.

DEAL BREAKER: Cheating. It’s simply not cool.

THOUGHTS ON STAYING FRIENDS WITH AN EX: Yeah, because they know your flaws more than anyone else. Plus, they can be a great sounding board with help in future relationships.

BEST THING ABOUT BEING SINGLE: Freedom to do what you want when you want with whomever you want wherever you want.

WORST THING ABOUT BEING SINGLE: No one to share special moments with or the great conversations you’re always having with just your friends, and watching all of your friends get married around you.

KATHY CATON-EILER

OWNER AND TRAINER, SAFARI HANDLING AND TRAINING

There was a lot about Caton-Eiler’s submission for this issue that caught our attention. She owns a dog training and handling business, and this year her company won with two different breeds at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show. Aside from work, Caton-Eiler has conquered tragedy in her personal life. “At 26, I became a young widow but have found strength and passion through my company, and I have a great group of friends who support me. It’s time to complete my life with a new love,” she says.

AGE: 29

EDUCATION: B.S., mass communications, concentration in public relations, Ohio State University.

WHY YOU LOVE YOUR JOB: I’m competitive by nature. When I’m involved, I’m all in. I don’t do anything halfway. Being able to take a dog that’s never competed to being the No. 1 dog in the country gives me such a sense of satisfaction.

FAVORITE BOOK: The Art of Racing in the Rain, by Garth Stein. It’s about the relationship between a dog and owner, and it’s written from the dog’s perspective. It made me feel the connection of what I experience every day.

FAVORITE TV SHOW: Any of the “Real Housewives” shows. I get a kick out of them. I’m not sure how real it is, but it’s definitely entertaining.

FAVORITE MOVIE: Dirty Dancing.

FAVORITE MUSIC: I’m very into pop divas. I’ve seen Britney Spears and Lady Gaga in concert. I like rap, country and anything but heavy metal.

PRIZED POSSESSION: My jewelry. I like things that sparkle, and I’ve worked hard to be able to treat myself to some bling.

ANY PHOBIAS? Tornadoes freak me out.

PET PEEVE: If people are one way to your face and another way behind your back.

BEST VACATION: Kiawah Island. It’s so private. You can go to the beach and not feel overwhelmed by touristy types.

CELEBRITY LOOK-ALIKE: I was told once I look like Anna Nicole Smith. I think it’s because of the blond hair and big boobs.

CELEBRITY DREAM DATE: I think Bradley Cooper is the cutest thing.

CRAZIEST THING YOU’VE EVER DONE: Probably when my sister and I went snorkeling in the Cayman Islands. Ocean life can freak me out easily. I was glad I did it, but it took a lot to do it.

SOMETHING A LOT OF PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: As much as I can be confident, I still have insecurities about going into something if I’m not sure. I’ll jump into it, but there’s definitely a hesitation.

BEST FIRST DATE: We were sitting talking and realized we had a lot of the same friends and never knew it.

WORST FIRST DATE: Maybe too many to count. On one date, the dinner check comes and he goes, “You should take care of that.” Then he asked when we were going out again. I was like, “Yeah, we’re not doing this again.” I just felt like a sugar mama. It was wild.

DEAL BREAKER: Poor hygiene.

DESCRIBE THE QUALITIES YOU LOOK FOR WHEN DATING SOMEONE: I like someone open-minded, fun, caring and someone with a loving personality. I would want someone family oriented, because I’m close with my family and want a family of my own someday.

SUZIE REED

PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY FELLOW, NATIONWIDE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

As a physician at Children’s Hospital, Reed is a busy lady. She says the best relationship advice she’s ever been given is from a co-worker who “has it all together. He said, ‘In the end, it doesn’t matter how much money you made or what you did. It’s who you have around you, so you have to foster those relationships now.’ ”

AGE: 32

EDUCATION: B.S., biology, Case Western Reserve University; M.D., Ohio State University Medical School.

FAVORITE BOOK: Leaves of Grass, by Walt Whitman.

FAVORITE TV SHOW: I have recently become addicted to “Dexter.”

FAVORITE MOVIE: Little Miss Sunshine.

FAVORITE MUSIC: I listen to a huge variety of music. My radio is on CD101. I love local bands, too.

CELEBRITY DREAM DATE: Martin Sexton. Maybe I can slip him my number when he is in town in May.

IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH THE MONEY I’d pay off medical school loans, send my parents on an awesome vacation and save the rest so I don’t end up on “E! True Hollywood Story: Curse of the Lottery.”

CRAZIEST THING YOU’VE EVER DONE: I guess a little bit crazy was when I was on vacation by myself. I stayed with a lady that was advertising a room in her house on Craigslist.

SOMETHING YOU’RE GLAD YOU DID, BUT WOULDN’T DO AGAIN: Skydiving. I did it and I loved it and it was so fun, but I don’t think I’ll do it again. I feel like I was impulsive enough when I chose to do it and I don’t know that I’m that impulsive now.

SOMETHING A LOT OF PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: I’ve carried around a lucky $20 bill for several years.

DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT COLUMBUS WEEKEND: It would be really busy with good friends, good food and good music.

ON BEING SINGLE IN COLUMBUS: I’ve been single here for a while, so I should be an expert. It has been made more wonderful by my friends.

BEST FIRST DATE: I went to the batting cages once and it was really fun.

WORST FIRST DATE: I went on a first date once where in the entire three or so hours of food and drinks, I was not asked one question about myself. The experience was pretty horrible.

BEST THING ABOUT BEING SINGLE: It’s really nice to be on your schedule and your schedule alone.

WORST THING ABOUT BEING SINGLE: I have really awesome friends, so I’m never short for a partner in crime. My friends aren’t too good at snuggle time, so I guess not having a snuggle buddy.

DEAL BREAKER: Intolerance.

DESCRIBE THE QUALITIES YOU LOOK FOR WHEN DATING SOMEONE: Intelligence, sense of adventure and energy.

MIKE MINNIX

PRESIDENT, EARTHA LIMITED

Minnix was a student at Ohio State when he realized what he wanted to do with his life didn’t include what he was studying in school. He dropped out and never looked back. Minnix says he’d like to help others realize their dreams because “I’m realizing mine now” with Eartha Limited, which works with restaurants to increase sustainability.

AGE: 27

FAVORITE BOOK: I read a lot of magazines. Wired, Popular Mechanics, Sports Illustrated and Time. Really, anything I can get my hands on.

FAVORITE TV SHOW: I watch “SportsCenter” the most, but I wouldn’t say it’s my favorite. I also like “60 Minutes.”

FAVORITE MOVIE: The Last of the Mohicans.

WHAT’S ON YOUR IPOD? Everything except country.

ANY PHOBIAS? Being a garbage man, it’s funny, but I’m scared of bugs. And mayonnaise. I’ve never eaten it; I just can’t really look at it. I know, it’s awkward.

PET PEEVE: People who don’t believe in themselves.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Eartha. Doing something nobody believed I could do and just surprising others with the depth of what we do here.

BEST VACATION: Road tripping around Alaska.

CRAZIEST THING YOU’VE EVER DONE: Spring break 2003 . . . that’s all that needs to be said.

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Jury Room.

SOMETHING YOU’RE GLAD YOU DID, BUT WOULDN’T DO AGAIN: Drop out of school. That was the hardest thing because I was less than a year from graduation.

SOMETHING A LOT OF PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: I’m a pretty big guy, and if I need to be a hard-ass, I can be a real good hard-ass, but when you get me home, I’m a real softy.

THOUGHTS ON ONLINE DATING: As long as people can find love, more power to them. I never say never.

THOUGHTS ON DATING IN THE AGE OF SOCIAL MEDIA: There was a simpler time when people just loved each other. I’d rather hear someone’s voice than have somebody text me. So much more intimate.

IDEAL DATE: You could be anywhere, just as long as you feel that connection. It doesn’t matter the location. I’ve had great dates at a drive-in and great dates at an expensive restaurant. Anywhere as long as you feel that moment.

DEAL BREAKER: Self-loathing. People who don’t try, then complain about how bad they have it.

IDEA FOR GREAT DATE: Depending on the person, maybe we’d grab a drink, catch a show or go to a Clippers game. I want to talk when I first meet somebody because that’s what I do. Looks are great, but it’s that connection I want.

BEST THING ABOUT BEING SINGLE: Freedom to work long hours and get up early.

WORST THING ABOUT BEING SINGLE: Lack of companionship. I have great friends, but I don’t always want to tell my good guy friends about the bad day I had. I like to love somebody; it feels good.

DESCRIBE THE QUALITIES YOU LOOK FOR WHEN DATING SOMEONE: She cares about her body, about what she eats, isn’t afraid to speak her mind, strong-willed and tough because the world is tough.