OUR TEAM
Bob Salomon, Founder
Bob Salomon is a devoted husband of more than 30 years and proud father of two adult children. His family is his greatest Blessing. Bob and his wife have always believed in giving back, leading by example, and making a positive difference in the lives of others through faith, kindness, compassion, and generosity. These values have always been the foundation of their family and the principles they passed on to their children.
A retired New Jersey State Correctional Officer with 25 years of service, Bob is the founder of Danjulie Associates and the creator of Beyond The Laces and its movement of kindness. Through partnerships with schools, businesses, youth organizations, professional athletes, and community leaders, he is dedicated to inspiring children, strengthening communities, and making a positive difference.
Bob is deeply grateful for his family, the amazing team that stands beside him, and everyone who has supported the mission along the way. Together, they continue to inspire hope, spread kindness, and make a lasting difference, one child at a time.
Rick Young, Ph.D., Co-author
Is also author of “Combat Police: U.S. Army Military Police in Vietnam,” currently in the U.S. Library of Congress, and co-author with Michael E. Bolyog of the 3-book fantasy adventure “Aiden’s Cauldron Trilogy.”
Rick is a retired senior special agent with over 28 years experience in Federal Law Enforcement, including an extended tour of combat duty in Vietnam (1968-69) as a military policeman.
He has a Masters in Organizational Leadership from Cairn University and a Doctorate in Eschatology from Luder-Wycliffe Theological Seminary.
In retirement, Rick Young has been a pastor in New Jersey.
Ken Jones, Illustrator
Ken Jones has been drawing portraits since high school and turned his passion for art into a successful career in illustration and graphic design. After working as a graphic designer in New York City, Ken ventured out on his own, specializing in sports-related illustrations and portraits.
His work has appeared in numerous publications, including illustrations celebrating baseball legend Ernie Banks, the New York Mets’ 50th Anniversary, and Fenway Park’s 100th Anniversary. Ken’s portraits of legendary college football players have also been displayed at the College Football Hall of Fame.
Ken has truly brought Beyond The Laces to life through his incredible illustrations. His talent and creativity have been part of this journey from the very beginning. But beyond his amazing talent, Ken has an incredible heart for children and truly believes in what Beyond The Laces stands for. Simply put, without Ken, there would be no Beyond The Laces as we know it today.
James Crosby
Born in South Korea, James Crosby was adopted at six months old by a loving family in Medford, New Jersey. A Rutgers University graduate with a degree in Economics, he has traveled the world and continues to support orphanages in India and Uganda.
James is the author of faith based books and speaks at schools, sharing his journey while inspiring students through faith, character, perseverance, and serving others. He is also a member of the Beyond The Laces team, joining Bob Salomon in presenting interactive school assemblies that encourage children to lead with kindness and never give up.
Alfonso Cirulli
I am a retired educator with 35 years of public education. I was a high school assistant principal my last 12 years.
I served approximately 18 years on the township zoning and planning boards. I am currently finishing up 17 non consecutive years as an elected township official. This January, I will be serving as Mayor for the fifth time as well as being deputy mayor for six years.
I took my positions in education and as an elected official very seriously. I grew up in the sixties and watched the drug culture destroy families and take the lives of friends and classmates. I grew up in New York City in the Borough of the Bronx, and lived through the riots of the 1960’s, being mugged and chased by gangs. As an elected official, my number one concern is making sure Barnegat is a safe and drug free town, as well as keeping taxes down, providing the necessary services, having a transparent and efficient government as well as recreation fields for our children and adults.
I applied the same principles as an educator when guiding and disciplining students. I have tried my best to foster hope to others in the knowledge that there is a GOD who will never forsake us. Working with Beyond the Laces allows me to continue to work with children encouraging them to continue on with hope and never give up. This movement is so powerful, an honor to be part of it.
Devin Mazepa
I am the founder of the Mazepa Group, a multifaceted company committed to excellence in residential and commercial construction, amongst my other commercial ventures.
My vision was to use my skillset beyond business in order to make a positive difference in local communities. My desire is to advance the traditional American values of caring, loyalty, and trust, all of which are contained in the concept of “kindness.” For that reason, I feel blessed to be part of the Beyond The Laces team whose efforts are making a difference by personally supporting the Pop-Up events that provide encouragement at the community level. Teaming up to make a difference, one child at a time.
Charles Ambrogio
Charles "Charlie" Ambrogio was far more than the printer behind Beyond The Laces. He was a trusted friend, mentor, and one of the people who believed in the vision from the very beginning. Without Charlie, Beyond The Laces would never have become what it is today.
As the owner of a successful printing company, Charlie brought decades of knowledge, unmatched craftsmanship, and incredible attention to detail to every project. More importantly, he gave generously of his time, encouragement, and unwavering support.
The entire Beyond The Laces team will always be grateful for Charlie's friendship, guidance, and belief in our mission. His legacy lives on in every book placed into a child's hands and in the countless lives touched through Beyond The Laces. Charlie's kindness, generosity, and impact will never be forgotten, and he will always be a cherished part of our story.
R.I.P Charley
