It was New Years’ Eve and like the previous three years, we were ringing it in with Timmy and Debbie Grazioso and friends, at their beautiful new home in Highland Beach, Florida. Having relocated to North Carolina the year before, this was our first visit back to South Florida. As we arrived that celebratory evening, I spotted Timmy behind a bar, festively mixing drinks for his guests.
Timmy was one of my favorite people. Our bond started with our children’s friendship, our New Jersey roots, and our passionate love for the New York Giants and New York Knicks. He was so much fun to be around, with a great sense of humor and a huge smile generally painted on his face.
Despite living in Florida, Timmy commuted to New York City weekly for work, maintaining an apartment in Brooklyn and returning to South Florida Friday evenings through late Sunday afternoons. His New York based company had season tickets to both sports teams, affording Timmy numerous opportunities to root for his home teams in person. I lived for the moments where Timmy would regal me with stories of celebrity sightings and game experiences, making me feel as if I were right there with him.
An Unforgettable Piece of Advice
Upon greeting Timmy this New Year’s Eve, he quickly broke away from his bartending duties so we could catch up. It had been a year since we last saw one another and he had a remarkable story that he was excited to share…one that I’ve never forgotten.
Super Bowl XXXV was just around the corner in Tampa, Florida. A client of Timmy’s had miraculously secured last-minute tickets. However, the client was unable to obtain a room at the premier hotel that they desired, not the least bit surprising considering that hotels in Super Bowl cities generally sell out a year or more in advance of the big game. Out of desperation, the client begged Timmy to see if he might have any luck with the hotel, given his Florida residency.
Timmy phoned the hotel and received the expected rejection. “Sir, it’s Super Bowl Weekend. We’ve been sold out for a year”. Timmy remained calm and politely asked to speak with the General Manager. What exactly he said in that conversation remains a mystery, but what he achieved for his client was astonishing. He secured the unattainable room, a feat few could have accomplished.
Perhaps someone cancelled their room at the very moment that Timmy was on the phone with the General Manager, or maybe Timmy negotiated a rate that was too attractive for the General Manager to pass up. I’ll never know. However, It’s what Timmy said next that I’ve never forgotten. “Leon, there’s always a way to get what you want in life. It may not be a straight path nor the path that you envisioned but if you’re truly committed to the outcome, there’s always a way to get where you want to go”.
A Tragic Loss And a Tribute to My Friend, Timmy
Sadly, that New Year’s Eve was the last time I saw Timmy. On September 11, 2001, he lost his life in the Terrorist Attack on New York’s Twin Towers, while serving as the Chief Operating Officer for Over-the-Counter Trading at Cantor Fitzgerald, a financial firm.
Although I can never fully understand the depth of loss that his wife Debbie and his two beautiful twin daughters endured that day, nor the pain that his mother and sister suffered, losing not just Timmy, but also his younger brother John, who also worked at Cantor Fitzgerald, I can share the admiration that I had for Timmy. He inspired me with his “can-do” attitude, his self-confidence, and his belief in me. When I confided my desire to leave the corporate world and pursue my entrepreneurial dreams, he was my biggest cheerleader.
I hope you find inspiration in Timmy’s profound message. “There’s always a way to get what you want in life. It may not be a straight path nor the path you envisioned, but if you’re committed to the outcome, there’s always a way to get where you want to go”.
In honor of Timmy Grazioso and the countless lives lost on that fateful day, I share this story with the hope that it will inspire you as it has inspired me. Tomorrow is not promised to any of us so no matter the obstacles, remember Timmy’s words and commit to your dreams. God bless you all.