AJ Vaynerchuk, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of VaynerSports, is my guest this week. He has stories to share of his parents journey and transition from Belarus to America. AJ's certain that he and his mother, Tamara, have similar personalities. They're both "laid back and even keeled," according to my guest. Tamara's early years in Belarus, where emotionally trying yet she was determined to raise her children in America with a positive attitude and not let the insignificant or trivial things get in the way.
AJ is the youngest of three children. The eldest, Gary was born in Belarus and about three years old when the family emigrated to the United States.
Tamara didn't have your typical childhood. She was born in the former Soviet Union. During turbulent times, when Tamara was a young girl, she lost many family members, including her mother at the age of five. Though very young when her mom died, she can recall many vivid memories of her and refers to her mom as a "ray of sunshine." It's this positivity that AJ loves and appreciates and hopes to raise his three children in that same kind of environment with similar philosophies.
It's a tough transition, coming to the US, barely speaking english, looking for work and having a family. Sacha, AJ's dad worked non-stop, so Tamara could stay home and be with the children. She eventually worked part-time in the family business in New Jersey, "The Wine Library, which is one of the most highly regarded wine and gourmet food
Aj confesses, " the worst thing I could do is disappoint my mom and dad." Both parents expected a lot from their kids academically though Gary the eldest struggled, Liz their sister did well, but AJ says "it came naturally to me. If I listened in class and did my homework, I got good grades."
In hearing AJ share stories of his mom and dad, he so appreciates how they worked to shield him from a lot of their childhood trauma and sadness. As the youngest, they felt it was important to offer AJ only the good stories of their past. They were setting aside their stories from long ago, to instill happiness, peace and positivity in their children." There's nothing but appreciation and respect for all the hard work his parents did for the family. As first generation Americans, the doors are open wide for any and all opportunities.
AJ and his brother Gary are both major business entrepreneurs and huge sports fans, in particular-huge Jets and Nick's fans! You may be familiar with Vayner Media, a legendary media agency, VaynerX where AJ was the former founder and COO and VaynerSports which Gary and AJ started in 2016. AJ is the Cofounder and CO-CEO. VaynerSports is a sports agency that represents athletes and provides brand consulting services.
Crohn's Disease has unfortunately played a role in AJ's life for many years and he has been active in the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation trying to raise awareness for many years. Crohn's Disease is an inflammatory disease that causes chronic inflammation of the GI tract.
VAYNERSPORTS WEBSITE: https://vaynersports.com/
You can find AJ on the following social media platforms under AJ Vaynerchuk
FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, LINKEDIN, TWITTER and Tiktok
Wine LIbrary Springfield, NJ:https://winelibrary.com/
Crohn's & Colitis Foundation:https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/