Meet Ted
When did you move to the Rockford area?
Born and raised
What are your hobbies or interests?
Community events, live music, biking, theater…tons of stuff and things.
Favorite restaurant in Rockford?
GreenFire
Best place to grab pizza in Rockford?
Hardest question on this. Rockford has pizza that canvases flavors from all over Italy and Sicily. This city is unique with such a spread of flavor for different loves of pizza. I can’t pick just one. I suggest you try it all! It will take you several months to even do that.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone new to Rockford?
Explore! There’s much to do and there is a beauty in this city that can be overlooked easily. So go explore.
Favorite fall activity or attraction in the area?
Edward’s
Favorite winter activity or attraction in the area?
Festival of Lights
Favorite summer activity or attraction in the area?
4th of July and Festa Italiana
What’s a fun or random fact about you?
I only sleep on average four hours a night.
What do you think makes Rockford such a great place to live?
The people. There’s so much talent here in this city. It’s a city filled with adventure seekers, forward thinkers and creators.
Occupation
Fleet and Events Manager at Ingersoll Cutting Tools (oldest cutting tool company in the world, right here in Rockford)
Ethnicity
Casper
What stage of life are you in?
Professional/young children
How do you prefer to meet or connect?
Hybrid (a mix of both)
What’s your best advice for someone experiencing their first winter in Rockford?
Winter doesn’t hit us really till the end of December/early January. Take the time with your family to explore all the winter activities that so many NFP’s, groups and businesses have to offer. And defensive driving.
Favorite local event or festival
Festival of Lights for tradition, but Old Settlers Days for actual running festival.
Best place to go for a night out in Rockford?
Several: GreenFire, Plume, 8th Ward, Embassy The Top or Tower, Prairie Street Brewhouse…all based off dinner, ambience and drinks.
One hidden gem in the Rockford area that you’d recommend?
Klehm
What’s your favorite thing about the Rockford community?
The energy and passion that the community can bring to an event. It always inspires me to work harder knowing there is such a huge, loving community at hand wanting to make things happier and better for their fellow neighbors.
If you had a free day in Rockford, what would you do?
I really don’t have those. I invest my ‘spare’ time in community events .
Where’s the best place to enjoy nature in or around Rockford?
Sinnissippi Park, bike path at sinnissippi gardens, Rock Cut, Atwood, Martin Park by the river.
What’s Your Favorite Local Small Business Or Shop?
Culture Shock
Best way to get involved in the community?
There are many great NFP’s in town. All registered with the state. Do some homework, and find one that can meet your passions and just jump into it.