How many kids do you have and what are their ages?
Just one! My wife recently gave birth to our beautiful daughter Nora Grace.
What are your favorite family activities in Stamford?
As a Stamford native, born and raised, I always enjoyed going to see the otters at the Nature Center and staring into the jellyfish tank at the Maritime Aquarium. Plus, in the winter, I recommend ice skating and grabbing a hot chocolate at the pop-up ice rink at Mill River Park.
What do you like about living in Stamford?
Stamford is just a unique community! Growing up in Stamford, I always appreciated being close to NYC but far enough away to enjoy the fresh air and small-town feel. Since moving back to Stamford as an adult and starting a family with my wife and daughter, I’ve seen the city further establish its own identity as not just a place to live but a place to visit as well.
I’m proud to be from Stamford and a fan of supporting local businesses such as the Stamford Comedy Club (a pop-up comedy show created by Stamford-native Ben Rosenfeld), my gym at J3 Athletics, and several restaurants including The Village Table and Mecha Noodle Bar. Plus, my wife and I even used several local vendors for our wedding day last summer including Stamford Florist, local DJ duo “Spin House”, and Gluten-Free bakery, By the Way Bakery.
Tell us about your career.
My career has been an interesting ride thus far with plenty of twists and turns. I started out in marketing and promotions for the entertainment industry and am currently in chemical manufacturing sales. Outside of my “9 to 5” I took my passion for comic books, movies, anime, and more to become a freelance writer for websites CBR and Screen Rant.
Additionally, in March 2022 I self-published a children’s book titled “Jensen Cleans His Room.” The story follows the title character as he teaches readers and listeners of all ages the skills to properly clean their room as well as the value and importance of donating their old and unused things. “Jensen Cleans His Room” is currently available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books; more info can be found on my website, https://www.cobygreif.com/.
What was your inspiration behind your first children’s book, “Jensen Cleans His Room”?
My passion for organizing, along with my experience as a babysitter/camp counselor led me to write this unique children’s book. I found it important to not only show kids how to clean their rooms but also teach the values surrounding this common chore. It was my Grandma Terri, to whom the book is dedicated, who instilled in me a love of cleaning and tidiness. I think she would have enjoyed this book as well as any other parent looking to promote cleanliness in both their children and maybe themselves too.
Fun fact: the title character is named after my real-life younger brother.
What do you hope it teaches children?
I hope young readers (and listeners) of my book not only learn the tools to properly clean their room but also the importance of keeping up with this often despised chore. Instead of telling kids that cleaning is fun, I stressed the idea that if you clean your room the right way and maintain it, you will never truly have to clean your room again. Additionally, I caution people from holding on to too many keepsakes and instead promote donating one’s old and unused things to charity. This not only benefits the community at large but provides the donated toy or article of clothing with a second life; instead of gathering dust in the attic or basement, someone else is able to go to school in new clothes or furnish their new home.
Do you have any future children’s books planned?
Nothing yet, but I’ve started brainstorming a few ideas. I’m hoping to create more children’s books that teach life skills through the art of rhyme.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from another dad?
Well, I’ve only been a dad for less than 2 months but the most encouraging advice I received is that there is no right way to feel when becoming a new parent. There are so many emotions and changes going on that it’s okay to feel anxious, excited, overwhelmed, etc. while also loving your new bundle of joy.