June- Our Men’s Issue
June. Father’s Day, right? Well, after this issue, your first thought about June may very well be: Wayne Lifestyle’s Men’s Issue. Trust me, we brought you a doozy this month!
So, we start with our cover story about Marco Cumba, an expert in many forms of security: home, business, community, events…you name it. 24/7 Monitoring? Check. Home security systems? Yup. Armed and unarmed guards? Got it. Read what Marco has to say. After all, we all have something to protect.
After that, we talked with everyone’s favorite Tik-Tok dad, John Rondi. John has volumes of tips and life experience that he works to impart on young men throughout the world on how to be a better man. In this issue, we include our very first “Johnny Thinks” section where we brought you a curated selection of tips ranging from how to show up to being accountable and chivalry. This may be in the “Men’s Issue” but what’s in there is useful and applicable to everyone.
Speaking of John Rondi, we also brought you some of the men’s accessories from The J.D. Collection, a luxury brand by Johnny Drinks. Belts, handkerchiefs, keychains, and coasters are a sampling of items available at the launch of the online store. Be among the first to take a look. Knowing Johnny Drinks, you won’t be sorry.
We also brought you through a story on how to help “Dad” make some great memories for Father’s Day, as well as a few stories centered around the quickest way to a man’s heart: summer grill recipes and choosing your own brew.
In our remaining article this month, we had some fun when we polled various people throughout the community asking what they thought were the best (and worst) parts of being a man. We shared with you some of those answers, at least the family-friendly ones.
To all my fellow dads out there, Happy Father’s Day. Go eat, play, and know that you've got people who love you.
PHILLIP
BARONE, PUBLISHER @WAYNELIFESTYLEMAG
June 2025
PUBLISHER
Phillip Barone | phillip.barone@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Don Seaman | don.seaman@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Amanda Vreeland | wayne@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Don Seaman, John Rondi, Phillip Barone, Mel Boban, Katie Bobrow, Wayne Lifestyle Community
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
John Agnello, John Rondi, Marco Cumbo, North Jersey Chamber Of Commerce, Jake Starr, Phillip Barone
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
1: Wayne Lifestyle acted as head chef, teaching people the secret ingredient to advertising
North Jersey Chamber event was at Hanson & Ryan in Totowa. 3: Lunch meetings at Guacamole Wayne make
NORTH JERSEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NORTH JERSEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
PHILLIP BARONE
ARTICLE BY DON SEAMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN AGNELLO, MARCO CUMBO
MARCO CUMBA IS ALL ABOUT PROTECTING YOUR FAMILY, YOUR HOME, YOUR BUSINESS, YOUR COMMUNITY- AND BEYOND
THE SECURITY MAN
Since prehistoric days, across almost every species, there's been a primal instinct hard-wired in us to protect our family. As humans, we all feel this. But
“IN
threats. We were able to step in and grow with clients who needed an unexpected increase in security.”
Marco has also added Watch Guard
OUR COMMAND CENTER, YOU’D THINK YOU WERE IN NASA.”
as men, it’s the core of why we’re here. We’re the human shields.
We’ve come a long way from using sticks to defend our loved ones against a saber-toothed carnivore. But as our tools have improved to ward off danger, the threats have evolved as well. Now they can be invisible - and devastating. The stakes are always rising.
Unfortunately, we don’t all have the tools to keep up with these escalating threats and situations.
That’s why what someone like Marco Cumba does is so important. Marco is a former Passaic County sheriff’s officer who took his security knowledge into the private sector, with three companies dedicated to providing enhanced protection for his community - and beyond.
“We launched our first company, Capital Security Investigations, just at the beginning of Covid. So now there are all these buildings vacant and unattended, businesses were unprotected as we were all on lockdown. It was a situation ripe for opportunistic
Solutions and UFS Personnel to give even more options for personal, business, and even municipal security. UFS Personnel offers armed and unarmed security, and can assist with personal bodyguards already in place. It even allows for special circumstances - picking up children safely who are traveling alone, for example.
“In our tech room command center for Watch Guard Solutions, you’d think you were in NASA,” Marco says. “With 80 monitors on the wall at six stations, you can be watching 10 different places all at once. We can have eyes everywhere. If something happens, we not only can let the intruder know that they’ve been spotted, but we can also alert the authorities for an instant intervention. And because of the systems that we’ve developed, we can do this at a very reasonable cost - and it can be white labeled for a company to use. And because of our reach, we can do it anywhere. You could be in Texas, North Carolina, or anywhere.”
They truly can go big or small. They’ve done security for local stadiums, the VMAs, even for Barcelona soccer when they played a match here in NJ.
Thanks to this system, Watch Guard Solutions can assist police in situational tactics - they can guide them through the pursuit with real-time positional analysis. So not only is this a benefit to the security of the property, it also can help with the security of the responders as well.
They can even dispatch their own armed guards if the situation calls for it.
There’s even a weapon detection capability coming to the mix that will add another layer of defending against potential threats. Threats to the public don’t always come from criminals. Stories of everyday catastrophic revenge are all too common. Marco is taking steps to help to mitigate this rising epidemic.
So what are the things that Marco recommends that you do to help protect your family in their everyday lives?
“Always have a plan, and work on situations with them. Know your escape routes and what you’ll do in case of an emergency or a tense situation. When we’re out at dinner, I’ll ask my daughter ‘OK, where are the exits?’ We’ll run drills and play games to make sure everyone’s prepared.
“ULTIMATELY, PROTECTION IS ALL ABOUT BEING PREPARED.”
It’s always best to have ‘done it’ before. That microsecond of indecision can make all the difference. That’s why it’s so important to practice it before hand. Reaction becomes muscle memory. You don’t have to think about the stepsyou’ve done it before.”
Ultimately, protection is all about being prepared. With someone like Marco around, we can all sleep a little sounder knowing that we have the tools, insights, and vision to keep all of those modern-day threats from upending everything that we cherish.
CSI, UFS Personnel 1, and Watch Guard Solutions are all based in Totowa. You can see more of what each offer on their websites (csisecurityservices.com, watchguardsolution.com)
Kevin Kubat is the IT specialist who keeps all servers and software
Marco Cumba with Alma, his wife, and Antonia, their daughter.
JOHNNY THINKS : SHOWING UP & being prepared
JOHNNY DRINKS’ JOHN RONDI GIVES LIFE ADVICE FOR MEN
ARTICLE BY JOHN RONDI AND DON SEAMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN RONDI
John Rondi has achieved mega influencer status as everyone’s favorite Tik-Tok Dad within the online video empire known as “Johnny Drinks” (profiled in our February 2025 issue). Over the course of their many videos, John has become a sort of surrogate father to his audience, giving paternal advice and life lessons - nuggets of wisdom that he’s made sure to include to help boys become better men.
Here are some thoughts that he’s developed over a lifetime of experience.
HOW
YOU SHOW UP IS CRITICAL
No matter what your mindset is before you arrive, leave whatever mental baggage you’re carrying at the door. Forget the bad traffic, the irritating phone call you just had, or whatever might be bugging you. Regroup mentally before you enter a room. Being ready and present - not distracted and disengaged - brings energy to your interactions. Be there with a purpose.
well. “Hi, I’m John Rondi” conveys so much more than just saying “I’m John.” Be memorable for your entire self.
REMEMBER THE ACRONYM “FORD” TO NETWORK EFFECTIVELY WITH NEW PEOPLE
“No matter what your mindset is before you arrive, leave whatever mental baggage you’re carrying at the door.”
— John Rondi
NAMES ARE IMPORTANT.
When introducing yourself, use your full name. It’s your unique identity. Get their full name as
There are four easy things to talk about to engage with peopleFamily, Occupations, Recreation, and Dreams. Questions about people spark conversations. Notice details about what they tell you. Even something simple, like noticing they’re wearing a crucifix or a wedding ring can lead to something to talk about. Prioritize listening more rather than talking more.
BE PURPOSEFUL WITH YOUR PERSONAL BRAND.
John uses another acronym that will help define yourself. ABC - Appearance, Brand, Communication. Your appearance should align with your call to action of what you want people to think of you, both professionally and personally. You are your own brand. You might be comfortable selling insurance in jeans and a hoodie, but you’re less likely to
be successful at it that way. Spend a few minutes the night before to decide what you’ll wear the next day so you can be prepared, comfortable, and ready. Being overdressed for a situation is always preferable to being underdressed - you’ll look better and feel more confident and less self-conscious if you’re looking good. Know what the weather outlook is - no one wants to sit in long meetings with wet suede loafers when you should’ve worn leather boots.
BE ACCOUNTABLE TO YOURSELF.
And be realistic with your expectations. Enjoy what you’re doing and have fun with what you’ve created as your image and what you want to project.
MAKE ADVICE REALISTIC.
When giving advice on something, make it manageable, not “heavy lifting”. Give reasonable steps on a ladder to get them on the right path. Once they’re up a rung or two, the pattern can be repeated and set in practice over and over again. Acknowledge (and demonstrate) that what you do works for you, and that it’s merely one way of doing things. Everyone wants to be led, no one wants to be told what to do. That’s the balance.
“You learn from your mistakesand your regrets. We were all 18 once.”
— John Rondi
NOTICE HOW ENGAGED PEOPLE ARE.
Do they make eye contact? Are they fully listening? And are you showing that same level of respect for them? There’s nothing better than being fully engaged with someone you’re talking with. If either you or they are distracted, looking out the window, peaking at their phone, the conversation is likely over and it’s time to move on.
EXPERIENCE TRUMPS EDUCATION.
You learn from your mistakesand your regrets. We were all 18 once. You learn how to be better, and gain wisdom, over time. Sometimes, the smartest, most highly educated people just don’t “get it”, while someone who has lived a simple, modest life has things figured out quite well. How someone has lived their life has value.
CHIVALRY ISN’T DEAD.
Young men might not know what that even means. Having class is a mindset based in respect for yourself and for others. Sometimes that takes a lifetime to learn. Remember, be a man. Better yet - be a gentleman.
Priceless Memories
Advice Editorial: Gift Giving Inspiration For Dads
ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN
Learn Together
Learning a new skill together, or sharing a favorite hobby, is a great way to bond. If Dad likes woodworking or fishing, finding a class to attend together goes beyond gifting tools and allows fun.
Retro Movie Night
Enjoy a movie night together with popcorn, candy and all the fixings. Home movies enable strolls down memory lane, or one of his favorite movies from his childhood makes for fun conversation. Ordering a projector for a large format screening makes the movie night feel extra theatrical.
Chef’s Kiss
Take the food pressure off Dad and invite local culinary experts to prepare a meal. A fun theme, based around his favorite vacation, such as Hawaiian food, will make the evening memorable. Alternatively, try a local cooking class together based on his favorite cuisine.
Blast From The Past
Brainstorm childhood memories together and enjoy a day reliving them. If he chaperoned a trip to the zoo, experience it again together. If short on time, stop at a favorite ice cream stand and tell him how much you cherish the memories.
ARTICLE BY THE WAYNE LIFESTYLE COMMUNITY
We Polled People Throughout Our Communities About Manhood
What Are The Best - And WorstThings About Being A Man?
We asked local men from all walks of life what they thought were the best and worst parts of being a man. We didn’t stop there because we even asked many women what they thought those answers would be, and surprisingly, many of the answers were close.
Let’s just get this out in the open right away - peeing standing up was mentioned. A lot. Not one word about leaving the seat up was, though.
“Being able to return nearly anything at a store under the guise of ‘I don’t know, my wife told me didn’t tell me anything other than it needs to go back.’”
SO, WITHOUT ANY FURTHER ADO, HERE ARE, ACCORDING TO OUR SOURCES, THE BEST THINGS ABOUT BEING A MAN:
• Never needing makeup.
• You can look great bald.
• Men are generally hard working, handy, and strong.
• Providing for my family and being their protector.
• Men don’t experience the physical changes a body goes through when having a child.
• You can detach yourself from being very emotional and get the task at hand done.
• You are very wonderful problem solvers and very efficient.
• Men have a higher metabolism and can eat bigger portions of food.
• Feeling less vulnerable about safety in public spaces, especially alone at night.
• You do not have hormonal changes throughout the month, so your fitness and emotional status are more balanced, and those around you have the perception you’re strong when you’re assertive.
• Not giving birth.
• Being able to return nearly anything at a store under the guise of “I don’t know, my wife told me didn’t tell me anything other than it needs to go back.”
AND THE WORST THINGS ABOUT BEING A MAN:
• Allowing the older men in my life to sway how I feel/react to things/deal with emotions.
• Living with the stereotype and pressure of always needing to be the provider, the breadwinner for the family.
• Men can be less connected to emotions, which can sometimes make male and female relationships challenging.
• Many men suffer from loss of hair on their heads and baldness.
• The perception that vulnerability is a weakness, so there’s a ton of pressure to remain “strong” or show no vulnerable emotions, when in reality vulnerability is a strength and holding on to other emotions viewed as “weaker” causes emotional stress and disease. It doesn’t allow you to fully embrace who you are.
• Stressing over responsibilities and not voicing their concerns.
• Being blamed for everything.
• Prostate issues.
• The burden of carrying your own mistakes.
• Not being able to get out of your own way.
• Unless you’re unnaturally talented at it, dancing can look far too goofy.
AND
FOR ONE MAN, THE BEST AND WORST THING ARE IDENTICAL:
I've come to the interesting conclusion that my least and favorite part about being a man is one in the same. After being raised on that rigid, rugged notion that men must be able to be the provider at all costs, remain invulnerable and self-sufficient, I hate that I have to be. At the same time, the fact that I have that burned in me, I love that no matter how tough the challenges are, I can be that person.
SUMMER GRILL
RECIPES
ARTICLE BY KATIE BOBROW
THESE DELICIOUS RECIPES ARE LIGHT, BRIGHT AND FEEL LIKE SUMMER
The sun has returned, and grilling season is upon us. With the nice weather comes vegetable gardens and fresh produce, along with the overwhelming desire to be outside as much as possible. We’ve compiled some fresh and light dishes that you can shop for at your local farmers market and whether you’re looking for a quick mid-week meal or something to grill for a crowd on the weekend these dishes won’t disappoint. These pair well together or can stand on their own!
DIRECTIONS:
1. Place skirt steak into gallon freezer bag
2. Combine all other ingredients in bowl and mix. Pour over steak and marinate for 3-4 hours or overnight in the fridge.
3. Bring skirt steak to room temperature by letting it sit out for one hour.
4. Get your grill hot on one side and medium on the other.
5. Once the grill is ready, wipe excess marinade off steak. Starting on the hot side, place skirt steak on grill for 2 minutes per side, attaining a nice sear.
6. Transfer steak to the cooler side of grill and cook until the internal temp is 130°. Let rest for 10 minutes (temp will rise while resting).
7. Carve and serve. This dish pairs well with beans and rice or served as tacos. Below is a chimichurri sauce that compliments it nicely.
*Outside skirt steak is a more tender cut than inside skirt steak, for this recipe outside skirt is recommended. Do not use too much lime as the citrus can cook the meat before putting it on the grill, resulting in a tougher texture.
SIMPLE SKIRT STEAK
INGREDIENTS:
• 2lbs. Outside skirt steak*
• 2 Tablespoons Lime*
• 2 Tablespoons finely,
chopped cilantro
• ¼ Cup Olive oil or avocado oil
• ¼ White onion, finely chopped
• 1 Tablespoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
CHIMICHURRI
INGREDIENTS:
• ½ Cup parsley, finely chopped
• ½ Cup cilantro, finely chopped
• 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 3 Cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Red chili (whole or deseeded depending on desired level of heat)
• ½ Teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 Teaspoon salt
• 1 Tablespoon lime juice (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. You can make this in the late morning and let it sit for around 4-6 hours, or you can make it the day before and let the flavors meld overnight in the fridge. Just be sure to take it out and get it to room temp before you serve it, as olive oil hardens in the fridge. Serve over skirt steak or tacos.
ROASTED CORN SALSA
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 Ears sweet corn
• 10oz. Cherry tomatoes
• ¼ Cup lime juice
• 1 Finely chopped jalapeno or serrano (whole or deseeded depending on desired level of heat)
• ¼ Cup cilantro, finely chopped
• ½ Cup white onion, chopped
• 2 Cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
DIRECTIONS:
1. Grill corn, you do not need to soak the corn beforehand.
2. Place corn on the grill (inside their husks) over medium heat turning every few minutes.
3. After 10 to 12 minutes shuck the corn and put the cobs back on the grill for 2-4 minutes rotating frequently to achieve that charred look and flavor.
4. Cut the corn from the cob, place in bowl and add all other ingredients. Let the mixture meld for about an hour and serve with tortilla chips or as a taco garnish.
WAYNE
LIFESTYLE
Picture This Student Photo Bonus
“Tiny But Mighty”
ASHLEY WHITE
Wayne Hills High School
STRAIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY
This Month’s Student Photo Is Presented By
300thTotal JointCase
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CHOOSE YOUR BREW
MIX-AND-MATCH THE PERFECT SIX PACK
When the hot summer months roll around, many people reach for a cold, refreshing beer to cool off. There are many different types of beers that are perfect for enjoying during the summer months. Whether you prefer a light and crisp ale, a fruity wheat beer, or a bold and hoppy IPA, there are plenty of different beer types that are perfect for enjoying during the summer months.
BREW: FOOD PAIRINGS:
Blonde Ale
TASTE NOTES:
Light-bodied and smooth, an easy-drinking beer known for its simplicity.
One of the most popular craft beer styles; a hoppy, moderately strong ale of golden-to-copper color.
LIGHT AND SPICY FOODS: cajun chicken wings, grilled salmon, Monterey Jack cheese
GRILLED AND SPICY FOODS: burgers, steaks, Indian curries, ginger spiced desserts
Fruit Beers
Used with wheat ales and lagers, brewers can choose from a variety of fruits for the desired flavor.
Hefeweizen
A cloudy, unfiltered style of German wheat beer with refreshing flavors of banana and clove.
ACIDIC AND LIGHT FOODS: salads with fruity dressings, pickled dishes, fruity desserts
LIGHT DELICATE FOODS: salads, Gruyere cheese, seafood, sushi
Radler
Oatmeal Stout
Also known as a Shandy, a refreshing, low-alcohol drink combining beer and citrus soda.
A dark, full-bodied, roasty, malty ale with a complementary oatmeal flavor.
LIGHT AND SPICY FOODS: seafood, salads, fruit tarts, spicy shrimp, thai curry
RICH AND SALTY FOODS: lobster, french fries, mushrooms, blue cheese
ARTICLE BY PHILLIP BARONE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAKE STARR
John Rondi’s Men’s Style Guide
jdcollection.com
1. Luxury Daily Belt: Built
Luxury Dress Belt: Refined
3. Leather Keychain: Simple. Strong. Essential. Crafted from full-grain leather with
4. 4-Pack Leather Coasters: American-made from 15oz full-grain leather. These heavyweight coasters protect surfaces
5. Cotton Handkerchief: Premium cotton. Durable, soft, and cleanly stitched. This classic handkerchief is made to carry, wash, and repeat.
