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.
