10 questions with…Jimmy Costanzo
1. Where do you work?
I am a bank examiner for the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, which is an arm of the U.S. Treasury. We are bank regulators, and with the events in the financial markets right now, things are pretty busy. The current focus is on ensuring that the banks we supervise are healthy and do not undertake unnecessary risk. I always wanted to get into banking, and this job has provided me with lots of variety and opportunity to work in different areas of the industry. I travel a lot and enjoy constantly meeting and working with people all over the Midwest.
2. Where did you grow up?
I grew up in El Paso, TX, which is down on the U.S. - Mexico border. Besides the great Mexican food, I loved growing up around the mountains in West Texas. I am also a huge football fan, so high school football in Texas is great. Where I grew up it wasn’t quite as intense as what you see on Friday Night Lights, but it was still pretty awesome.
3. How long have you been in St. Louis?
I have been in St. Louis for two and a half years. My job brought me to the area. I had a few options on where I wanted to work. Every person in college that I met from St. Louis simply raved about how great it was, so I figured I would give it a shot. I’d have to say things have worked out pretty well so far.
4. How did you find out about GenNext?
The company that designed the GenNext Web site, Gorilla76, is run by a good friend of mine. While he was working on the site, he recruited myself and some friends to attend a GenNext meet and greet. I signed up for the emails and have been participating in events ever since.
5. Do you have a favorite GenNext memory?
I really enjoyed the service project at the St. Louis Area Food Bank. They have a great facility that is set up for groups to volunteer their time. I was impressed with the process for packing up the food for distribution. They used us very efficiently and I felt like we got a lot of work done in the few hours that we were there.
6. Where would you like to see GenNext in five years?
I would like to see GenNext grow and have a stronger presence among young professionals and the community at large. It want to see it become bigger and healthier. I could see it becoming a model for United Way groups from around the country to follow.
7. Why do you think it’s important for young professionals to be involved in the community?
People need to be in touch with the places where they live and work. It’s easy for young professionals to become focused on their careers and establishing themselves in the workplace. While these things are important, I don’t want to lose touch with the youthful exuberance I saw and felt while in high school and college. By being involved in the community, you have a better pulse of what is going on where you live. You are more able to share your good fortune and effect positive change.
8. Fun questions – are you going to vote?
Absolutely. With so much going on from the local level all the way up to the presidential election, I have to put in my two cents.
9. What’s the best movie you’ve seen recently?
I know this isn’t unique, but I loved Dark Knight. I have always loved Batman, and I saw it on my first trip to the Moolah Theatre, so the combination of the comfy leather sofas and the good movie made for a great experience.
10. Where are you planning to celebrate Thanksgiving?
I will probably spend it here in the Lou with some friends and their families. My family is spread out all over the country, so I’ll just find someone to adopt me for the weekend. I can’t wait for all the good food!