Meet JJ Ortiz — College Park Wine Expert and Dad
I have been a College Park resident for the last 11 years. I enjoy getting out and meeting our community and helping make it a better place for all of us. I enjoy bringing a smile to anyone’s face. College Park is my home forever and my heart belongs to you all.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Happily married. Amazing 2 daughters. Supportive, loving extended family.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Currently work in the wine industry. It’s enjoyable discussing wine as a career.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
The Tap Room is my go to.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
11 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Mr. Albert Hart
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Bocas Del Toro in Panama. Who wouldn’t want to be there. Tropical paradise!
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Goonies. The Voice
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be kind and honest. Smiling is the best ice breaker
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Spear fishing in Costa Rica.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Pearl Jam
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Dunkin Donuts. I have enjoyed my moments there with my daughters since it was at the original location on Edgewater
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
President Barrack Obama. Super interested to hear his take on life. We would meet at Santiago’s Bodega sipping on their sparkling sangria.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The sense of protectiveness demonstrated by our community helping others is amazing to be a part of.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Right here in College Park smiling at all my neighbors
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I like to dress up like the Easter Bunny and have fun with the kids.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Standing on the beach getting married to my amazing wife.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
November. Thanksgiving. Amazon prime day. Lol
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The Taproom cheeseburgers.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My youngest daughter Riley
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
The ocean. My wife’s cooking.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Calmness, Loving environment, and belonging
