23 Questions with Bond Collective is a series highlighting the impressive 1,000+ person community spread across the Bond Collective portfolio. The series will feature members from 60 Broad, 55 Broadway, Gowanus and Flatiron locations and Bond Collective employees as well. 23 Questions will explore all different walks of life and show just how unique and vast the Bond Collective network continues to become.
AJ Gutierrez is the Co-Founder of Arch Rivals and an OG member of Bond Gowanus. Originally from Texas, AJ attended college at UT Austin. After college, AJ spent time in China and Los Angeles before settling in Brooklyn. At Arch Rivals, AJ and his Co-founder, Gregory Purpura, are a full service production company specializing in branded content and sports documentary. They value polished and creative storytelling while keeping a run and gun DIY attitude.
AJ lives in Park Slope, and can be found in close proximity to Fifth Ave or grabbing a beer at Threes Brewing. AJ’s personal life reflects similar ideologies to the mission of Arch Rivals, he values creative projects like gardening, has an interest in comedy, and he successfully ran the New York City Marathon last year. At Bond Gowanus, AJ enjoys utilizing the production studio which his company uses for shoots and screenings. AJ is bold, warm, and dare we say, really funny. It is no wonder Arch Rivals creates such innovative and fun content. We asked AJ a few questions…
1 - First thing you do in the morning?
I contemplate running, knowing I should probably go. And then I usually don’t go and watch Sports Center in bed instead.
2 - Top 3 songs to listen to when you need to get work done?
Spotify has a Daily Mix, I usually go based off those mixes. I will pick between a hip hop mix or a chill acoustic vibe, or a punk rock skate mix. Depending on what I’m working on creatively I’ll go with one of those moods.
3. Favorite coffee shop and go to order?
Bond Gowanus! I have not had to really buy coffee since joining. Pro tip, I usually go for the coffee on the left.
4 - Gmail or Outlook?
Gmail, I have no idea how to use outlook, never used it in my life
5 - App you can’t live without?
Not the coolest answer, but email because I am paranoid about it and constantly checking it.
6 - First job?
I worked at a golf course in San Antonio. I was one of the dudes who drove the cart to pick up the balls.
7 - Favorite lunch spot?
Wilma Jeans is great for lunch. I usually go for the Fried Chicken Sandwich.
8 - Early or late?
Early.
9 - How do you unwind after a long day of work?
Usually a 9 dollar bottle of wine does the trick.
10 - What’s your lucky charm?
So, I don't really have a lucky charm, but I have this key chain that’s a Lego Storm Trooper. Its missing a leg. I guess it's a lucky charm because I cannot get myself to take it off my keys.
11 - What inspires you?
Walking around in Brooklyn or exploring in the city is usually how I get inspired.
12 - Social Media account everyone should be following?
@pizza, they do great work, I’m a big fan. You will see on my instagram, there are a lot of pizza shots as well. Lucali in Cobble Hill is my number one pizza in New York.
13 - Best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten?
“Measure twice, cut once.” That's what my dad used to say all the time.
14 - How long did it take you to get to work this morning?
Ten minute walk away, it's the best.
15 - When’s the last time you celebrated a win?
Last night, the San Antonio spurs won game 5 of the playoffs and that was a huge personal win for me.
16 - If you could squeeze one more activity into your daily life, what would it be?
I would like to relearn the piano. Piano is one of those things you learn as a kid and you quit, but when you get older you wish you never did that.
17 - If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
Red because it’s bold.
18 - What is the most interesting thing about you?
I don't think I am that interesting, but I was a warm up comedian for a talk show in China.
19 - Last show you binge watched?
I am currently bingeing Narcos because I am behind, but I am obsessed.
20 - Biggest Cheerleader?
Probably my fiance, her name is Kat, she is awesome. She also demanded to be one of these answers.
21 - Call or text?
Definitely text.
22 - Favorite book?
The Outsiders by SE Hinton, also a good movie.
23 - Name 5 people (dead or alive) you would invite to a dinner party.
This one is tough, it is a random group, but would provide some hilarious conversation that I personally would enjoy.
- Lorne Michaels
- Gregg Popovich
- Robert Rodriguez
- Steve Martin
- Jim Carrey
For more on AJ and Arch Rivals visit: www.archrivals.tv
Follow Arch Rivals on instagram: @archrivals.tv
Follow AJ on instagram: @ajgootz
Images courtesy of our in house photographer, Hannah Cohen. Check out her work here!