Getting things done comes easily to Brian Tramontozzi ‘90, and he credits his education at Bergen Catholic for his ability to focus his mental and physical energy on a project and see it through successfully. Brian says it was not always that way. When he started at Bergen Catholic in 1986 he was following in his older brother’s footsteps. “I was pumped to be starting at Bergen Catholic. I wanted to be part of the camaraderie, part of the action,” said Brian. “What I couldn’t foresee was how much the experience would mold me as a person.”

 

CAPITAL MARKETS and FARMERS’ MARKETS

One educator who had a great influence on Brian’s tenure as a Crusader was Brother Jensen. With a motto of “Never Give Up,” Brother Jensen led by example and demonstrated perseverance in spite of his many health challenges. His lessons of self-discipline and determination were not lost on Brian or the other students, who clearly saw the value of working hard to fulfill one’s highest purpose.

Brian Tramontozzi did not have the physical makeup usually associated with a football player, but Coach Fred Stangel saw his potential and overwhelming desire to play. The coach chose him to play center for the team in a rebuilding year. Throughout that season and the ones to follow, Coach Stangel and his indefatigable team refused to give up hope, and against the odds they qualified for the state semi-finals in Brian’s senior year.  By graduation, Brian was mature, focused, and ready to take on Georgetown university’s Business School, where he double-majored in Finance and Management, graduating magna cum laude. This launched his career in finance and raising capital for growing businesses. He is currently Managing Director of Leveraged Finance Capital Markets for J.P . Morgan. His position, while extremely demanding, is only part of Brian’s post-BC story.

The tragedy of 9/11 and its aftermath left a deep imprint on NYC’s  financial family. Feeling the pull of community service in his hometown, Brian joined the Bedford, NY Fire Department as a volunteer and took the rigorous courses necessary to become certified as a firefighter. Brian, his wife, Kathleen, and their four children also wanted to make a difference to the larger world and the environment. An avid outdoorsman, Brian hunts or fishes whenever he gets a chance. His love for the outdoors prompted him to purchase and preserve a 171-acre farm in Fly Creek, NY. The farm raises beef cattle, sheep, goats, chickens, turkeys, and, recently, honeybees. “At Bergen Catholic, I was taught to think beyond myself and to try to make the world a better place for others,” he said. “I owe my school a debt because the Brothers helped make me what I am today.”

Whenever you meet Brian Tramontozzi in the capital markets of lower New York or the farmers’ markets of the Catskills, you’ll know he is a Crusader at heart.