GIVING ELITE ATHLETES A BOOST
Fast-forward 20-plus years over a steak dinner in Manhattan. Rob Neuner ’85 had just recently sold his beer importing business and was looking for a new venture. His dinner companion, former teammate and still close friend Mike Minogue ’85, asked him a question that changed his career path: “What about oxygen?” Oxygen canisters, used by athletes and those feeling the effects of altitude sickness, were common in Europe but not as available here in the U.S. as commercial-grade products. After doing extensive product research, and with some guidance from Mike’s father, who was in the aerosol business, Rob introduced Boost Oxygen—portable, lightweight oxygen canisters—in 2007. The business soon became a BC family affair when Mike’s wife, Renee, came on board as a company partner. And business is good. Just this year Boost was spotted on the set of “American Idol” as well as in use by players at the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Sports were central to Rob’s life at Bergen Catholic. In addition to football, he was a doubles specialist in tennis, making first team All-State his junior and senior years. Still counting tennis coach John Puzio as a big influence on his life, he attended a Founders’ Medal ceremony in Puzio’s honor on campus five years ago. Rob connected with both his football and tennis teammates in meaningful ways. “Both teams were a very tight knit group of guys, I got along well with all of them and am close to many of them still today,” he says.
