Business partners Jason and Paul were out to dinner with their wives who have been best friends since preschool. At the time they started to discuss opportunities for the local colleges, Fairfield U and Sacred Heart, as well as the community. Jason who went to Uconn, mentioned DP Dough as a delicious late night option and Paul was sold immediately. They then went up to Uconn to sample the menu and realized this was for them and Fairfield. Here they are today serving calzones to Fairfield and surrounding areas.
Where are you originally from and how long have you been in Fairfield?
Jason: I was born in the Bronx and raised in Stamford CT. My wife and I have been in Fairfield for a little over 15 years.
Paul: Born in Lebanon, move to Waterbury CT when I was 5. Have been in Fairfield for the past 15 years.
Tell us about your Family!
Jason:My wife Emily is a Registered Nurse, and I have a 10-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son. They both love sports and have amazing groups of friends that they made from their elementary school.
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Paul: I have a wonderful wife Ashley and three beautiful kids, Everly 10, Harlow 8 and Maxwell 7. We are a very active family. Everly plays travel basketball and softball. Harlow plays basketball, softball and horseback riding. Maxwell plays football, basketball and lacrosse. I coach all my kids in various sports and love to be part of this community.
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One thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Jason:I was an extra in a Martin Scorsese movie.
Paul: That I am an immigrant and English is my second language.
One thing you wish someone would have told you about fatherhood?
Jason: It’s not easy! I have a lot more respect for what my parents did for me now.
Paul: How much I learned about myself. Fatherhood peeled back layers I didn’t know were there. It revealed how patient (or impatient) I could be, how deeply I could care, and how much I still had to grow.
What’s your favorite thing about raising a family in Fairfield?
Jason:All of the sports, camps and activities that they have access to and the support we receive from other families so that we can take turns getting them to all these sports, camps and activities!
Paul: Our neighborhood! We have made amazing friends and enjoy the beach lifestyle. We love the community and school system.
Best dad hack that makes your life easier?
Jason: Act like a fool and embarrass your kids when they are young, so they are used to it by the time they reach middle/high school when it’s going to get really bad!
Paul: Having a pick up truck because you have the ability to keep all your sports equipment in there at all times, making it super convenient.
Tell us about your job, when & why you decided to start in this field?
Jason: I don’t just co-own DP Dough, I also work in event sponsorship sales at Gartner. After 9 years at LinkedIn, I returned to Gartner events in March.
Paul: I am a financial advisor and portfolio manager in NYC. I started immediately after college as I graduated with an MBA in international finance. In regards to DP Dough I always had a love and passion for food and service.
What do you love about your job? Challenges you face?
Jason: Gartner is a fantastic company to work for and I love building relationships and helping my customers grow their business through the leads and sales that they generate at our events. As for DP Dough I love being part of the Fairfield and Blackrock communities. It’ been great meeting so many people who have become loyal customers. I also enjoy providing our support when we can for all of the local schools, clubs, teams and organizations who support us.
Paul: What I love about both in finance and DP Dough the ability to interact with people on a daily basis. Challenges finding great people to work with.
If you weren’t working in this industry, what do you think you would be doing today?
Jason:I would be doing sketch comedy on SNL!
Paul: Full time football coach
Best advice for dads who experience the inevitable guilt handling a career and helping support a family?
Jason:Don’t put too much stress on how you are balancing your work and family. Just do your best to succeed at your job, try to enjoy what you do and be there for as many activities as you can be. Being a parent is one of the toughest jobs out there! I know I have had quite a few!
Paul: Always put your family first but never feel guilty for providing for them.
Who has most influenced you to be the father that you are today?
Jason:Cliff Huxtable from the Cosby show. To clarify NOT BILL COSBY!
Paul: My own father. He moved to this country with nothing but the clothes on his back to make a better life for my mom and my brothers. He worked here for 2 years living on a floor of a studio apartment until he was able to send enough money to Lebanon to bring my mom and brothers to America. He is my hero!
What advice would you share with a new dad or other dads?
Jason:Take all of the advice you receive with a grain of salt (which is something you don’t need to add to our Calzones and Chicken Wings). You will figure out your style at your pace.
Paul: Love and support your kids unconditionally but make sure they know at a young age you are their father not their friend. That dynamic will ultimately change as they become adults, and they will be your best friend.
We love supporting local businesses – favorite places in Fairfield to…
Jason:
Have dinner with Family:
Rikos, Little Pub, Martel (fancy nights) and of course DP Dough (casual nights)
Grab a Drink with Friends:
Sinclair, Molto, Blind Rhino, Kevin Corner (Right next to DP Dough)
Have a Date Night:
Chelsea, Martel, Brick Walk. She won’t let me take her to DP Dough even though it’s fabulous for Date Nights!
Spend time together as a Family:
Baseball/Softball Field/Football Field/Basketball Court and our Pool/Backyard. I made a promise to go to the beaches more this year. Don’t forget DP Dough delivers to the fields, beaches and of course your Pool or Backyard.
Outside Activities:
Baseball/Softball Field/Football Field/Basketball Court and our Pool/Backyard. I made a promise to go to the beaches more this year. Don’t forget DP Dough delivers to the fields, beaches and of course your Pool or Backyard.
Grab coffee:
We like to sit at Harborview Market or I grab Dunkin Donuts and drink my Iced Coffee while I’m working at DP Dough.
Paul:
Have Dinner with Family: Romanacci’s
Grab a Drink with Friends: Sincalir
Have a Date Night: Martel
Spend time together as a Family: the beach
Outside Activities: bike rides, walks, sports and the pool
Grab coffee: Village Bagels