Name: Jeff Beck
Where do you live? Bloomfield, NJ
When did you move there? My wife and I lived on Glenridge Avenue in Montclair until our baby Milo was born. We’ve been in Bloomfield a little over a year.
Where did you grow up? Wayne, NJ
How do you make a living? I make a living by living my passion – owning and operating East Side Mags on South Fullerton Avenue in Montclair.
Coffee, tea or … ? Definitely coffee. The darker the roast the better.
What’s your idea of a perfect weekend day? Spending the day with my wife Marie and baby Milo doing literally anything – hanging out and watching TV, going to the park, playing on the floor, reading comics…
What’s your favorite local restaurant? Has to be a 3-way tie between Villalobos, Tacoria and Soups On. LOVE Mexican food and both Villalobos and Tacoria have it but different options. And I’m a sucker for a good grilled cheese and tomato soup combo!
What’s on your nightstand? My phone and a glass of water.
What are you listening to? Mostly punk rock like NOFX, Propagandhi, No Use for a Name, the Clash, Descendents, Sick of It All, Movielife, Bad Brains, Bouncing Souls, Crime in Stereo, Flatliners and some newer bands like Franchise, Hollywood Ave and Tula Vera.
What are your current indulgences? When I’m not on baby-duty, I like going to punk shows and watching the new comic book related TV shows and movies since those are always hot topics of discussion in the shop.
What talent you would most like to have? I’d love to be able to draw and contribute to my industry that way besides selling comics.
What’s the worst-kept (or best-kept!) secret about Montclair? The best part about Montclair is the Montclair BID. I’m lucky enough to be on the board and it’s full of business owner and property owners in town dedicated to bringing people to Montclair to hang out – not just for sales and selling – but for great events like the Glenridge Arts & Music Festival, Oktoberfest, FamilyFest, Touch-a-Truck for the kids and more great events besides the Sidewalk Sale and other revenue generating events and programs. And a BIG shout-out to Greg Pason – founder of Make Music Day Montclair – that just recently partnered with the BID but Greg ran it solo for quite a few years before the BID volunteered their involvement to make it even BIGGER than before! Tons of community support around here!
What do you hope they say about you at your funeral? Good things I hope! I hope they talk about my being a good father and husband, my love of comics and pop culture, being supportive in the community and a warrior for those who needed it. Also being a kid at heart because I truly believe that’s what keeps you feeling young.