Interesting Jobs
Mustang Suit in the Shadow
Clifton’s Josh Naranjo got Nick Carter’s back.
In late 2003 Josh Naranjo was a pretty average Ohio State Buckeye. Studying music performance and business management information systems, the former Marching Mustang tuba player was only a few semesters short from graduating and entering the work force. But at the end of the 2003, a lightening bolt of opportunity hit. He decided to drop out of school to pursue a career as a personal body guard. It was a risky decision, but one that has come to pay off. Ten years later, Naranjo, now 31, it seems what some may have considered foolhardy had turned to good fortune. Over the past decade, Naranjo, who still calls Clifton home, has visited almost 50 countries on every continent except for Antarctica while serving as personal body guards for artists such as the Backstreet Boys, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, Sum 41 and others. Naranjo is also an aspiring entrepreneur, and one of three owners in Kros International USA, a company that sells uniquely designed urinals that cut down the wait line at restrooms at entertainment events. Since there is no clear path to becoming one, Naranjo charted his own path to the personal body guard industry. While still in Ohio 52 May 2013 • Clifton Merchant