No. 18 Vol. 11
www.mypaperonline.com • 973-809-4784
November 2022
A Generous Denville Resident’s Annual Tradition
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By Emily Pirrello ith the holidays fast approaching, it’s almost time for college students to return home for their winter break. While most are decorating their doorsteps, prepping food for family gatherings and shopping for their special someone, a generous Denville resident, Jason Viglione is getting ready to select a candidate for his annual tradition—flying a young scholar home for the holidays. Viglione calls this special time of the year, “the giving season”, and rightfully so. In 2018, Viglione looked to the professional platform, LinkedIn to connect with a college student. “I didn’t go away to college, but I was away in the military for 10 years and money was just as tight as a young enlistee as it is for a college student.” Viglione empathized with those unable to afford transportation back home and wanted to reward those working towards their degree with the opportunity to spend the holidays with their loved ones. “I wanted young people to see that the generation above them at the managerial and executive level care about helping them.” Viglione worked in the Software and Technology Industry for many years, “My most recent focus has been building, scaling, and running Customer Support/ Success/Experience teams for SaaS companies. I design the teams that help the customers use software products successfully.”
Although he retired in August of this year, he plans on continuing to consult to stay “in the loop” of the industry. He went on to share what he loves the most about this experience is being able to connect and hear student’s stories and personal testimonies. Viglione very much values connection, both personally and professionally. He also shared that “there’s always an opportunity for future, formal relationships” with these college candidates. “I tried to hire the first student I flew home when she graduated, but the timing of things had her take a different role.” Which just goes to show, you never know where one connection will lead you, there are unlimited possibilities in life. “The second thing I love is the genuine appreciation you get from a class of people that feel often overlooked. Not young enough to be cared for parentally. Not old enough to be wholly self-sufficient. Everyone is incubating you until you join the working world. It’s nice to be a helping hand to people that didn’t necessarily know they needed it.” Viglione’s LinkedIn post for this year went live this month, “As has become tradition, I’d like to open my DMs to the world and make my Thanksgiving offer. If you or someone you know is a college student away from home and cannot get home, I’d like to get you there. Unfortunately, resources are finite so I can’t send everyone home, but based on a variety of factors we’ll see what can
be done.” When asked what the parameters were for those who apply, he shared, “The “parameters” or “requirements” were tough to think through and are truly just a function of exclusivity and affordability. I wrestled with it quite a bit.” “Do you extend the offer to reward those doing well or give a leg up to the ones that need some extra TLC? In the end, I chose to reward the successful ones. It’s not about A’s or 4.0 GPAs solely. Everyone comes to me with their story.” Viglione went on to share, “When I win Megamillions, maybe I’ll fly home 1000 students, but for now I have to be discerning.” The COVID-19 pandemic of course had put a pause on this annual practice. Viglione is elated to be able to pick this Thanksgiving tradition back up this year. Viglione shared that when he was growing up, “You were a producer, as the employee. You produced your thing, and you were given a paycheck. And you stayed at that company for 30 years. Now we move between companies. We do it for money, work/ life balance, passion, feeling valued, new adventures, etc. It’s not linear and it’s not simple. I had no LinkedIn. I had no mentorship. I figured it out mostly through making mistakes and learning from them.” Viglione wholeheartedly believes we should “set up tomorrow’s leaders for success—today.” Viglione’s act of kindness is inspirational and empowering— especially during the holiday season.
May your stuffing be tasty May your turkey be plump May your potatoes and gravy have nary a lump May your yams be delicious and your pecan pie too.... And if you need a bigger kitchen next year I’m the perfect Agent for you.
Wishing you the Happiest of Thanksgivings Margaret A. “Peggy” Lefsky Broker/Sales Associate
973-727-0795 Cell 973-263-0400 Office www.peggylefsky.com
Check out my references! Zillow.com, Peggy Lefsky 91 Crane Road, Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046
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