Jeffrey Bonkiewicz has a background in technology and has been working with Windows for almost 20 years. Recently, he began expanding into the marketing field, which led him Gerst Painting in Elkhorn where he now helps out with marketing, social media, web presence and lead generation. Gerst is a re-paint specialist company, performing both residential and commercial work. They do carpentry and handyman work as well.
Tell us a little about your family.
I have a fabulously beautiful girlfriend, Jamie, who is a nurse, and we live with her child, Royal. Royal is 3 and remarkably precocious. He beats me at Angry Birds all the time. He really wants us to buy him an iPad. We call him, “The Blessing.”
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
Realizing how little control we have over this life. It is a controlling thing to think we have control. It’s comforting, but we don’t have control.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Spend time with my family. Watch documentaries. Read. Drive somewhere with no destination in mind. Just drive. And listen to Metal.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
Metal is my favorite genre of music. It’s not all I listen to; it’s just my favorite. I enjoy Black Metal, Death Metal, and Swedish Metal. Yes, there are sub-genres within the super-genre. Ask any fan. It cracks me up that people think the guys who do this stuff are inspired by the devil. Nothing could be further from the truth. These are some of the nicest, most laid-back guys you’ll ever meet. True story.
What are you the most proud of?
My social network – not the one on Facebook. The real one. That and reading a ton.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
No one has it all figured out. Lots of people just walk around, pretending that they do.
What is the one goal you would most like to accomplish?
Several homes in several locations. Think warm places.
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
Getting rid of all politicians in Washington and placing each person’s vote legitimately online; thus, doing away with the entire lobbying system completely. It would change everything and be an exceptional legacy.
What are your plans for retirement?
Thinking up crazy ideas and espousing them to anyone who will listen.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Complete fearlessness.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
The Black Swan by Nissam Nicholas Taleb. Genius work.
What is your favorite movie?
Goodfellas. Just about anything by Marty Scorsese.
What is your favorite TV show?
Tough one. Right now, I’d say Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew. I think he’s a hero. I truly think he genuinely wants to help people. That sure is rare for L.A.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Jams. Consistently palatable, great presentation, reasonable and cool.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
Ghengis Khan
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
(402) 289-1010 or jeff@gerstcontracting.com or visit www.gerstcontracting.com.