VIP Alexandria Magazine | August 2020

Page 24

C.J. CROSS MANAGING PARTNER | HOPS N SHINE CO-FOUNDER | GOCRAFT BREWING FOUNDING PARTNER | CROSS MEDIA GROUP

Fitness and the restaurant industries don’t always feel like a natural fit, but for C.J. Cross, that’s just how life has worked out. Alexandria knows him as the owner of Hops N Shine and the man who has been publicly vocal in an effort to keep people in the service industry fed, paid, and healthy during these difficult times. But at one time, his life was spent at the gym or building websites for gyms. As a trainer, C.J. focused on helping prepare athletes for marathons and triathlons, but quickly realized he was better at the marketing side of the business. Working from a coworking space in DC, he had the brilliant idea to create a co-work

style business for breweries. Being a brewer himself, he began pitching the idea for a brewery incubator to connections he had in the industry. His excitement for the project led to a partnership that would become Hops N Shine and, coming soon to Tyson’s Corner: ShipGarten. Still keeping his foot in the fitness world, C.J. also participates in the annual Bike to the Beach ride, which raises money for Autism research and awareness. Collaborations between businesses and charities has always been a way of life for C.J., and one of the best ways for everyone to be successful in a sometimes chaotic world.

FUN FACT: ON A WHIM AFTER GRADUATING FROM COLLEGE IN 2004, C.J. MOVED TO LAKE TAHOE WHERE HE SKIED OVER 100 DAYS THAT SEASON

JAKE GALLUN VICE PRESIDENT | BETH EL HEBREW CONGREGATION

Being an Architect and having been a fixture in Old Town Alexandria for 35 years could be enough reason to consider Jake Gallun an interesting man. What truly makes him shine has been his life after retirement. Since leaving the days of suits and ties behind, Jake has immersed himself in being of service to others.

LOVE LIFE: JAKE'S FIRST DATE WITH HIS WIFE WAS TO THE WASHINGTON DC KITE FESTIVAL 24 • VIP ALEXANDRIA MAGAZINE

Serving as a Vice President and as a member of the Board of Directors for Beth El Hebrew Congregation, he has been involved in a number of projects calling on his architectural background. Most recently he designed a playground in accordance with the principles of the Reggio Emilia philosophy

for the Northern Virginia Jewish Community Center’s day care facility at Beth El. Jake also works as a volunteer at the US Capitol Building, helping with educational programs for Capitol visitors and assisting at special events such as state funerals and, most notably, a visit from the Pope. However, what most excites him is when he talks about his volunteer “work” as a chef for “Brotherhood Catering”. As part of an all-volunteer team, they cater breakfasts, brunches, lunches, and dinners for up to 225 people, with all proceeds donated back to Beth El’s Brotherhood to support their charitable work.


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Articles inside

The Ultimate Steak Topper: SUNMED CBD Infused Butter Recipe

1min
page 29

Men: CBD and Your Health

2min
pages 28-29

Take Yourself Further: CoolTone by Cool Sculpting

2min
pages 26-27

Most Interesting Men of Alexandria: Jake Gallun

1min
page 24

Most Interesting Men of Alexandria: C.J. Cross

1min
page 24

Most Interesting Men of Alexandria: Noe Landini

1min
page 23

Most Interesting Men of Alexandria: Adris Tabibi

1min
page 23

Most Interesting Men of Alexandria: Rick Myllenbeck

1min
page 22

Most Interesting Men of Alexandria: Mauricio Rivero

1min
page 22

Most Interesting Men of Alexandria: Jonathan Thorpe

1min
page 21

Most Interesting Men of Alexandria: Tom 'Big T' Gale

1min
pages 20-21

Most Interesting Men of Alexandria: Leonard 'Leo' Holton

1min
page 19

Most Interesting Men of Alexandria: Teddy Kim

1min
page 18

Most Interesting Men of Alexandria: Tristan Wright

1min
page 18

Surviving the New Normal (Series 3): COVID-19 and Your Teen

4min
pages 14-15

August V.I.P.s (Very Important Pups)

1min
pages 12-13

VIP Wedding; Caitlin & Spencer Ong

3min
pages 8-11

The Chamber ALX August Spotlight: Ru Toyama

3min
page 7

The Chamber ALX's Golf Classic

1min
page 6

The Publisher's Letter / Kellie Gunderman

2min
page 4
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