After growing up in the New York City area, Stephen has lived and worked in the Los Angeles and Mammoth Lakes, California areas, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Franklin, Tennessee. He currently lives in Boise, Idaho, with the love of his life, Becky, and their mischievous maltipoo, Chanté. After nine years of dating, Becky told him to “go jump in a lake,” then proposed to him. On their 35th anniversary and vow renewal, he finally proposed to her, ring and all. Now he sometimes introduces himself as Mr. Becky. Reality at last!
Stephen enjoys traveling and speaking other languages. He still has big dreams; his family sometimes calls him Walter Mitty, like the daydreamer in the book and movie.
His greatest joy and fulfillment come when he can give hope, direction, encouragement, mentor, share stories, and make people laugh.
That passion has produced many surprising stories with unexpected rewards. Career recognitions and accomplishments include:
— Larry Smith, GM, Chaparral Restaurant, Camelback Inn,
(then a 5-Star Marriott), Scottsdale, Arizona
Living at Home in Long Island During College
Country club lifestyle; no job or accountability. I thought I was THERE
Me standing behind Billy Daniels who was co-starring with Sammy Davis Jr. in Golden Boy on Broadway. Mickey Mantle was also there.
With Sammy Davis Jr. – I’m the tall guy in the back.
AFRICA TRIP DURING CONGO REVOLUTIONS
Search team for Lord Malcolm Hamilton’s missing plane: Uncle Herbert (left), Ambassador Edward Warner (3rd from left), me, Duke of Hamilton (on my left), and other family members. The three passengers including a girl I sent on the plane died. The search was all over the newspapers. I faced imminent death four times on our plane during the trip!
TROUBLED TIMES - AFTER AFRICA
The downhill journey had begun.
MY NEW YORK CITY APARTMENT
Picture is of me on a return visit many years later. Had a brick wall built over my bedroom window, put three locks on the door, and disconnected the doorbell. There was a fire, and I did not hear the firefighters trying to evacuate the building. Doctor’s report: Stephen is in urgent need of help. He could self-destruct at any moment.”
Then a Total Unexpected Surprise...
THERE found me. I was so shocked that I said: “No, no, it can’t be that!”
Instant change from nine years of despair to being happy and hopeful. All my illnesses were immediately gone.
AFRICA TRIP #2 - MANY WONDERFUL STORIES
In my Ghanaian outfit in a convention booth raising awareness for the severe drought in Africa.
MY WEDDING DAY, 1985
Becky and me. Miracles do happen even to confirmed bachelors. Ok, she had to propose … who’s perfect? Better than ever after 37 years!
35th ANNIVERSARY VOW RENEWAL
My proposal – finally!
Connections With VIP’s During Hospitality Jobs – Unexpected Invitations
Mario Andretti
My son Jeremy and me with Mario Andretti the day before the 2005 Indy 500. Mario gave us a private tour in the Andretti garage. The car pictured was driven on race day by Dan Wheldon who won the race!
Smokey Robinson
Smokey Robinson with Becky and me (on my birthday) at his Las Vegas concert.
Salvatore Ferragamo
With Salvatore Ferragamo at IL Borro, his family’s 1700-acre restored medieval village, 5-Star resort and award-winning winery, Tuscany, Italy.
Italy
Overlooking Florence.
Israel
The Wailing Wall in Jerusalem.
Spain
I still have a crush on Becky as we crush grapes during harvest at Prodorey Winery, Ribera del Duoro.
