NEW STAFF WELCOME // Bookkeeper Andrew Gottlieb Thinks Change Is Good

We've been getting to know new 3rd Ward staffers like Membership Associate Isaac Cohen and Director of Retail Jeffrey Opdyke. Now we're checking in with the money man, Bookkeeper Andrew Gottlieb.

It should go without saying that Gottlieb is not your average button-down, work-a-day accountant. He's a drum-playing, beer-swigging rock-out kinda guy who takes extra-good care of 3W's financials. Oh, and singers in particular will want to read on.

What do you do here?

I do the accounting, cut the checks, keep track of the money.

Well alright! Where are you from?

I grew up in the suburbs of New York, in Rockland County, then I went to school in Philadelphia, and I've been in New York about six years.

Where were you before this?

 I was working at a financial company, doing some accounting, some customer service, a little bit of everything. 

Anything at 3rd Ward you've been especially inspired by?

All of it. I'm so excited how much we're expanding. Even in the short time I've been here, there's been so much growth--the retail program, the cafe, Philadelphia. It's pretty inspiring.

Any events coming up that you're excited for?

The opening of the cafe. I think that will be a really cool project. I don't know if there will be a big opening event, but I'm really excited to see it constructed and open for business.

Speaking of, where in New York should everyone be eating?

Fette Sau. It's a barbecue place in Williamsburg, and it's probably the best barbecue I've ever had. You order deli-style, and everything's made fresh and just really good.

What's your favorite toy? Any gadgets or things you just love?

I'm a drummer, does that count? I've got a band, and I've been playing music for about 10 years.

Yeah that counts! What kind of music do you play? 

Mostly hard rock and metal, but I'll play anything.

Does you have any shows coming up?

My band is actually looking for a singer right now, so if anyone reading this knows any good singers, send them my way. We've been together for about two years, so we've got a pretty good catalog of songs, and I think once we have a singer we'd love to record, maybe an EP.

Ok. Movies. Psychological thrillers or romantic comedies?

 I guess romantic comedies, but I'm more of an indie movie guy, and I like comedies, but like Will Ferrell-type comedies, not romantic comedies.

Best show/opening/performance you've seen in the past two months? Or anything coming up that you're excited about?

I saw Radiohead a few weeks ago. Everyone hated me for it, because it was so hard to get tickets. It was really cool seeing them in such a small venue.

What kind of cocktail would you rather be drinking right now?

I'm not really a cocktail person. I'm more of a beer guy. I've been into IPAs lately, but I'll drink Bud Light or whatever. It doesn't have to be fancy.

It's a bit early, so let's toast a metaphorical IPA to Andrew and welcome him aboard.

--Layla Schlack