About Me



I just finished reading an article that explains how to know one's self. The article claimed you have to jot down some random things about yourself, analyze them, and then expand upon them. So as I burn movies from my DVR onto a DVD, I figured I'd give it a whirl. For the past two years my family, my doctor, and a few ex girlfriends, say I go out too much. But when your engulfed in your work for at least 50-60 random hours a week and not burdened by one of God's greatest creations (women) that bare your last name, why not go out? Recently however, I have changed. Instead of looking forward to big nights out--a friend's birthday shin-dig, Andy's Jazz Club, or The Chicago Theatre--I've been looking forward to a night in. That's when, about once or twice a week, I say no to dinner, no to drinks, no to movies, and no to any outdoor activities. But a night off doesn't mean I'm going to sprawl out on the couch with a pizza while having a beer watching sports. Instead, it's my chance to actually do something. I always start off with phenomenal cocktails and records. All the old songs sound better on vinyl and I'm into nostalgic things! My night in gives me a chance to hone some skills that real men in the world use to have like making a proper drink, polishing my dress shoes, and enjoying some type of literature. Jeff Tweedy once said, "The greatest feeling on earth comes when you've created something that wasn't there ten minutes ago." My night in gives me this chance to create something that only I or maybe a few others will take pride in.  

Name Michael John Intravartolo
Michael means "Who is like God?" and is one of the Archangels.  
John means "God is gracious, merciful."  
Intravartolo is Italian and means "In the family of Vartolo."

Born
April 29, 1980

College(s)
Bachelor - University of Phoenix, graduated with honors. Masters - University of Phoenix Doctorate - University of Phoenix (in progress)  

Drink(s) of Choice Brunello di Montalcino Red Wine--2003 Blue Moon Beer Jack Daniels stirred with Coca Cola  

Clothes Simple, simple, simple! If I could, I would wear the same type of clothes 95% of the time. Warm up pants, t-shirt, and sandals. I believe if you wear the same type of clothing every day you make a statement. Check out Steve Jobs. If you are always wearing the same type of clothing and then you have to dress up you will really stand out and make another statement.  

Clothing Accessories Watch Cuff Links Pinky Ring Tie Bar Striped Ties Pocket Square A Good Cigar--I know this probably does not belong under this category but there is something about a gentlemen dressed to the heavens smoking a good cigar. It's all about the reestablishment of the gentlemen, in my opinion.  

Pictures Nostalgic Pictures Any picture that can say a million things.

Cars 1920s Rolls Royce Early 1950s Convertible Porsche 1930s Dusenberg There is nothing like an older car that is built with steel and chrome!
 
Actor/Entertainer Elvis Presley & Cary Grant  




Books A Guy's Guide To Being Man's Man Shakespear, The Complete Works Underboss  











Transportation I prefer to ride my bicycles whenever I can. There is something about being outside in the elements and clearing my head while doing it. My bicycles of choice are:  

 Fuji newest 3.0 Road Bike  

 










 Iron Horse Warrior 4.5 Mountain Bike
















Dream House
I am not one for colossal houses. I think life is meant to be lived outside, so what is the point in having an overwhelmingly big house? I think the perfect house for a single gentlemen should be simple with one or two bedrooms. The house for a family man should not be more than what is needed. I am not one for people living beyond their means. Why have five bedrooms when you plan only on having two kids? It makes no sense at all to me.  

Philosophy I take life day by day. I want to live content with small means, to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion, to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not rich, to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly, to listen to stars and birds, to babes and sages, with open heart, to bear all cheerfully, do all bravely, await occasions, hurry never, in a word to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common, this is to be my symphony.

Childhood
I was born in Melrose Park at Gotlieb Hospital on April 29, 1980. From a young age I was taught important values and virtues like:
  • Generosity
  • Selflessness
  • Respecting Elders
  • Respecting Your Parents
  • Trust
  • Honesty
  • Tolerance
  • Acceptance
  • Patience
  • Politeness
  • Sharing
  • Awareness
I am very thankful to my parents for teaching me these things at such a young age. I have benefited greatly in my life because of them.


Adolescence
During this time my family and I moved to a northwest suburb of Chicago, called Hoffman Estates. Although I was very young and had to experience switching schools for the first time, I learned the importance of making and keeping relationships with people. My parents always encouraged their children to experience new things. During this period I began playing soccer and experienced first-hand the concept of team-work.

High School During my high school years my parents encouraged me to make the choice between extra curricular activities through the school or working. Having already experienced what it was like to participate on a sports team I decided to venture into the part-time working world. As I was working part-time I still had time for my school work, family life, friends, and intramural basketball. In 1998 I received my  Diploma from Hoffman Estates High School.


College Years
Once I graduated from high school, I began working full-time as Manager of General Maintenance Services and attending William Rainey Harper College on a part-time basis to fulfill my general education courses. During this time I was presented with the unique opportunity of purchasing the company I was employed with. Faced with a major life-changing decision I began to ponder all the options and alternatives. Needless to say, I took the gamble, purchased the company, and never looked back. As Executive Director of King's Services, Inc. I was able to expand the company's client list and the organization grew to a staff of 17! During this time I began realizing that after working with many people in diverse settings I would eventually like to leverage my experience into one field. This is when I made another life-changing decision, I would transfer my college credits to University of Phoenix. I began to see the trend of work teams in business and I personally believed this will be the way of the future. I chose University of Phoenix because of their dedication to develop their students to work commendably, skillfully, and proficiently in work teams as well as individually.  At University of Phoenix I attended classes year round at the Schaumburg, IL campus.  


 Michael Intravartolo Original Photography 





 

 
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