Ex-Jets GM Tannenbaum Meets With Ridge School Club

Mike Tannenbaum, the former general manager of the N.Y. Jets and president of a sports organization in New York City took time out of his day to address the Ridge High School Potential Careers Club on Monday afternoon.

Tannenbaum, a Basking Ridge resident, was welcomed by the new Ridge club to offer insight and advice coming from his own successful career journey, said Daniele Colbertaldo, one of the club's officers.

Following seven years as the general manager of the Jets, Tannenbaum now is the president of Priority Sports Entertainment Coaching Front Office & Broadcasting division in New York City.

With more than 50 attendees on Monday, including the Ridge Red Devils football team, the session ended up drawing a fantastic turnout, said Colbertaldo, a Ridge junior who founded the club.

Nick Franzese, a junior and veteran varsity quarterback and starting halfback for the past two years, later said, “Mr. Tannenbaum was a very informative and a determined man who broke down the steps to do what you loved in life. He is a perfect example of someone loving what he does. I know I’ll take away his motto 'love what you do and you'll never work a day in your life.' "

Franzese was not alone in taking away the inspiring motto after Tannebaum stressed his belief for the audience how loving what you do will not only bring happiness, but an enormous amount of success.

Not only did the players and guests find Tannenbaum’s messages inspiring, but so did Ridge's football coaches, particularly, Bill Tracy and school Vice Principal Scott Thompson.

Colbertaldo said Tannenbaum impressed upon the audience four points that he said they should pursue in their careers: Be the first one there, last one out, say yes and, say yes with a smile.

Afterwards, the club's vice president and co-founder, Charlie Hill said, “I learned the journey of a NFL team GM, plus the correct way to pursue a career of my choice,"

The club designed to facilitate the process of choosing a college major or career for prospective college students. The Potential Careers Club has been meeting monthly during the school year and invites professionals to speak with students about their career journeys, Colbertaldo said.