Name:  Judah Ross
Company: Judah works as a sales and marketing consultant
Role:  Owner

1. What brought you to Austin and how long have you been here?
   I moved from New York about 5 years ago. There were a number of reasons but primarily for business opportunities and better weather.
2. How did you get connected to AYC?
   I had been looking for an organization like AYC for a number of years. I’d tried out Meet Ups and some other groups but wanted the quality networking that only an organization like AYC could provide. I joined about 2 years ago after checking out a few events and have been very involved ever since. It’s one of the best decisions I made since moving to Austin.
3. What are you involved with in AYC AND what is your favorite part of AYC?
   I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in many of the committees. Right now I’m very active in the Economic Development committee working towards more civic education and involvement for young professionals. I also love being an Ambassador and helping new members get the most out of our organization. My favorite thing about AYC is the awesome friendships and professional connections I’ve made.
   
4. Where can we find you brunching in Austin on any given Saturday?
   I love to go out to eat but I’m actually more of a dinner guy than brunch. My favorite places are Botticelli’s and Perry’s.
5. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and what would you use it for?
   I’d have to say flying. I fly small Cessnas and there is no greater feeling than soaring through the air. It would be great to do it without the high rental costs:)I’d use it to get around town and avoid the dreaded traffic.
6. If you could have any celebrity live next door to you, who would it be?
   I’d want someone down to earth who you could just hang out with and grab a beer. I think Keanu Reeves or Matthew McConaughey would fit the bill (Matty actually used to keep his Airstream RV a block away from where I live, so we’re kinda neighbors.)
   
7. If you had guests visiting Austin for the weekend, where is the first place you would take them to show them a good time?
   Assuming they’ve never been here I’d probably take them to 6th Street and Barton Springs pool. Honestly, these are things I never do anymore as a local but it’s admittedly lots of fun for tourists.
8. If you played hooky for a day, where would we find you and what would you be doing?
   Probably at a coffee shop reading a book.
9. When people ask you what you do for a living, what do you tell them?
   I tell them I’m a sales and marketing consultant helping small businesses and startups grow their revenue. It’s my passion and I’m lucky to be able to do it as an independent consultant.
10. What technology could you not live without?
    I’m definitely a bit of a gadget geek. Aside for the obvious (and unhealthy addiction to the) smartphone I’d have to say my Chromecast. It makes it so easy to watch anything I choose. I recently bought Amazon Elexa device but I’m debating how useful it is.
11. Who inspires you?
    I love reading about entrepreneurs who overcame adversity to achieve great success. I’ve always found Larry Ellison and Elon Musk to be very inspirational.
12. What is your proudest accomplishment?
    I’d have to say starting my own business. I’d worked in sales at a number of successful startups and after my last venture was trying to figure out what to do. I decided to take my talents and experience and start a consulting business to help startups who lack these skills. I love working with business owners and helping them realize their potential.
13. If you couldn’t live in Austin, where would you want to live?
    Definitely somewhere in the South. The weather and the people are so much better. I checked out Nashville recently and thought it had a lot of the good vibes that makes Austin a great place.
14. I want to learn how to…?
    I love learning new skills and have been fortunate enough to learn some pretty cool things like flying and scuba diving. I think I’d like to learn how to skydive I’ve gone a couple times tandem but it would be pretty awesome to do myself. Lifelong learning is the key to success and happiness.
15. Pick:
    Soup or Salad?  Salad
    Indoors or Outdoors?  Outdoors
    Winter or Summer?  Summer
    Tea or Coffee? Tea
    Beer or Wine?  Wine
    Mountains or Beach? Beach