Cake By The Ocean

Tracy Obolsky, Chef/Owner, Rockaway Beach Bakery

It’s the end of an era in Rockaway Beach, New York City. The go-to spot for savory Everything Ham and Swiss Croissants and delicious Grandma Helen’s plum cake recently shut its doors at 87-10 Rockaway Beach Blvd, pulling down the iconic Gone Surfing door for the last time. In NYC, it’s common to lose favorite spots, coffee shops, restaurants, and the list goes on. It’s part of the norm. But losing a place like this that feels intimate and is an integral part of the Rockaway community hits hard. Rockaway Beach Bakery is, or was, the kind of place that makes living in Rockaway so special. It will be missed.

Tracy and I have been friends for years, and I’ve photographed her in and out of the water since 2018. I have hundreds of photos of her surfing. Even though she works hard, she makes surfing a priority in her life. When you see her out there, you notice how at home she looks out in the ocean. We finally made official plans, creating a fun photo shoot and an interview back in May of 2024. Life got busy and crazy, and I never posted the interview and the photos. I actually took a pause from social media, from work, all the things. A few days ago, I started dipping my toe, cautiously, back in the social waters, and the first thing I see is Tracy’s post about the bakery closing. I reached out immediately to check on her. Cool things happening behind the scenes, and something new is in the works. But that’s all I know! We’ll have to wait and see, but in the meantime, I wanted to pull all of our photos and our conversations together and make this Wild interview happen.

Tracy’s one of the hardest working people I’ve ever met. A Pratt Institute Grad, she earned a BFA in Illustration. She planned on becoming an illustrator or a snowboarder, which if you know Tracy, that dichotomy fits. Inspired by crazy cake competition shows, Tracy enrolled in pastry school. At twenty-six, she became an Executive Pastry Chef at Esca, then North End Grill, and Cookshop. Her skills in the kitchen and the unique recipes she created made her sought after and kept her at the top of her game. Through the years, I’ve questioned how someone who works that hard and gets up that early always has a smile on her face and endless energy. I can tell you now, that is not how I handle stress. I’m guessing it’s her time in Manhattan that helped form her mastery of work, stress, and success. If she could make it there, she could make it anywhere. She talks more about that part of her career in our interview, giving insight into what actually lured her away from the city and out to Queens. Her next chapter will be no less than spectacular. As we all await the unveiling, I hope you’ll take a moment to read our interview. Of course, I didn’t expect anything less than fun and laughs—she has such good energy. Tracy was up for anything! So she brought out her famous pastries and cookies. She took them for a walk on the beach and of course out for a little surf. Congratulations on all of your success at the Blvd, Tracy, and cheers to this exciting next chapter.

Tracy, when did you start surfing?

TO: I started surfing consistently about nine years ago when I moved to Rockaway. I took a lesson in Costa Rica about twelve years ago and was hooked. I’d always wanted to surf growing up while spending summers at the New Jersey Shore. Unfortunately, my parents weren’t too keen on the idea. I was forced to stick to bodyboarding until I was an adult.

You have an iconic Gone Surfing graphic on your door that comes down when you’re closed. Sometimes during the summer, the bakery closes and that sign is up. How do you balance your love of surfing and your business? Why was it important to you to bring surfing into your work?

TO: Once in a while I would close early or close for the day to go surfing, for sure. But now I have an amazing staff that can run the bakery when I’m not there (which took five years). I try to balance my work with surfing by checking the surf forecast. Sometimes I have time to surf before work. Sometimes I can surf after work for sunset. And sometimes I’m lucky to catch both, getting to see sunrise and sunset from my board in the same day. There are definitely times where I miss out on waves, but at least I get to feed the hungry surfers that were lucky enough to score some waves. My logo, a woman surfing a croissant, was a fun, playful idea to bring surfing into the bakery. It just kind of came natural. I’m located at the beach, open year round, and love feeding the surf community, as well as the non surfing community. I love when the bakery is full, post surf session: everyone has wet hair, and they’re talking about their waves of the day.

What does surfing add to your life?

TO: Surfing adds so much to my life. I love surfing, because it is one of the only things I can do that can take my mind off anything and everything that may be bothering me. I’m forced to focus on the ocean and the beautiful surroundings. It’s super fun, challenging, and a great workout. There’s nothing like that feeling you get after a great session in the water.

Do you prefer surfing solo or with a friend(s)?

TO: I love surfing solo and also appreciate surfing with friends. Even if I end up paddling out alone, I usually end up seeing friends or acquaintances once I’m out there. Surfing solo is a great way to clear your mind and really engulfs you with the nature around you.

Are most of your friends surfers? What do you value most about the surf community? (locally & as a whole)

TO: I would say that fifty percent of my friends are surfers. I love how supportive the surf community is. Everyone is ready to clean up the beach or donate their time or product when there is a subject in need. Everyone is out for the same goal—to have fun and share the stoke while protecting what Mother Nature has gifted us.

Why Rockaway Beach? And how long have you been here?

TO: I ended up in Rockaway Beach after moving here to not only surf more and live near the ocean, but also to feel some sort of separation once I left my high paced, stressful Fine Dining Executive Pastry Chef job in Manhattan for my workweek. It was still right off the A train so I was able to commute to the city and live full time a block away from the ocean, a dream I’ve always had. I would come out here before work with one of my best friends and I would hang my wetsuit in the office to dry and the GM would always complain about the sand on the carpet. Rockaway is still technically NYC and you can get there easily but it’s also far enough away and a very drastic different beach town feel to it.

There’s obvious things about Rockaway that make it special like the beach, surfing, nature, small town community, but there’s also something about it that’s youthful. Rockaway makes me feel like a kid that’s actually a grown woman that rides her bike everywhere. It’s just so fun and nostalgic, reminds me of summer at the Jersey shore but I somehow made it my life lol.

You have a background as a pastry chef in Manhattan. That seems like such a drastic change to bakery shop owner in Rockaway. Could you explain that evolution?

TO: It was a drastic change from commuting to the city as a Pastry Chef to opening a small bakery in a beach town. I was so burnt out I was trying to figure out a way to spend more time on and enjoy this beautiful peninsula I moved to. I was always working, crazy hours too. I got stuck during a blizzard one winter and couldn’t get back to Rockaway, and that was the last straw. I thought to myself what if I started a small bakery. There’s not a lot of offerings like that out here. I bravely quit my job and started slinging pastries and coffee out of a shack at a small marina in Arverne to the local fishermen and old timers. The croissants ended up being the favorite, especially the Everything Ham and Swiss croissant which I am known for. Word traveled fast about the “secret bakery.” I sold out of anything and everything I made daily. I eventually set up a brick and mortar shop almost 9 years ago and luckily it all worked out well.

How did it feel those first few weeks and months after leaving your pastry chef career behind? I mean that's a dream job for a lot of people.

TO: It was terrifying and exhilarating all at the same time. I was fed up with my life style and the long hours and sacrifices. I was ready to start something completely new and my own, from scratch. I felt a lot of guilt too—the owners and chefs at my job kept trying to make me stay, and I felt bad for leaving—they were all great owners, chefs, and peers. I felt bad because I know my family thought I was crazy and maybe still think I am. I mean, I had it all and was only climbing up . . . apparently it wasn’t making me as happy as it used to, and I was completely burnt out and miserable. It was a new welcomed scary, exciting beginning of a whole new chapter in my life. And I’ll never forget my last train ride home from that job in Chelsea. I didn’t realize I was on a Lefferts train and it took me twice as long to get home. First time I did that too. 

Have you ever missed it?

TO: I have moments when I do miss it but try to remind myself of what an awesome life I’ve created for myself here and to be proud that I started something from nothing all myself. It’s easy to romanticize about the fun great moments, but I have to remind myself of how I felt the rest of the time. I work even harder now than when I worked in fine dining, but now I’m doing it for myself.  

What’s it like to own a bakery?

TO: It’s pretty great owning a bakery but it’s also a ton of work. There’s always fires to put out, problems to solve and deal with and I usually have five thousand things going through my mind at any given moment. It’s nice having full creative freedom and being able to offer this service to the community and mentor my staff to enable them to do anything they wish to do in their careers. I love seeing everyone that comes in and talking with them. I love this bubble of a life I’ve created, where I live right by the beach with my husband and dog, ride my bike on the boardwalk to and from work year round, bake beautiful delicious food, and surf as much as I can. I pinch myself sometimes. I am very lucky.

Grandma Helen's Plum Cake is a menu favorite. It's so moist and delicious with the perfect amount of sweetness--let's just say I've ordered it more than once over the years. Who is Grandma Helen? 

TO: Grandma Helen was my mom’s mom—she passed away when I was a baby so I didn’t really know her but heard a lot about her and her baking skills. I have a lot of her recipes, which are really unique and retro. Anything that has “Grandma Helen” in the name of the pastry is one of her recipes that I’ve tweaked over the years. The recipes are typed on the typewriter or hand written which is cool too.

You also travel often to Costa Rica. Is that your go to adventure surf locale? And why? What’s special about Costa Rica?

TO: I love Costa Rica and travel there every chance I get! I love the surf, the wildlife, the people. It’s absolutely beautiful and extremely diverse. I go to a certain area so much that I have friends there and regular bars and restaurants that I frequent. I feel at home when I’m there.

Summer surf? Or winter surf?

TO: I love surfing in the summer because there are many more hours of daylight to take advantage of so I get to surf more, but the waves tend to be smaller and the lineups more crowded. I love winter surfing, but I definitely don’t love the extra time it takes me to put on all the extra rubber or the extra weight it puts on you when you're out there. I also get too cold after about forty-five minutes to an hour at most. So my time is limited out there, but it’s absolutely better than not surfing at all!

Favorite Board? How many boards do you own?

TO: It's a hard decision but the board I end up using most of the time is my McTavish Sumo 7’6” cause it can get into anything, which is great when there’s not a lot of power but can still perform well when there is more size. I currently own five boards but am always looking to add to the collection.

What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

TO: I think something that people would be surprised to know about me is that I eat a TON—-everyone sees a skinny bakery owner and thinks I don’t eat my own product, but that’s not true at all. I am gifted with the fastest metabolism known to man and am extremely active. You will rarely see me sitting still unless it’s to watch a New York Rangers game. I also really enjoy singing karaoke, lol.

My time on the Blvd has come to an end, but fret not bakery friends, new things are in the works. So stay tuned! What a wild decade this has been! So thankful for my amazing staff, family, friends, and this Rockaway community. Damn, I love this town! Until then, catch you in the surf! ~ Tracy Obolsky

Fire and Water

Over the summer while riding the ferry to a brand gig, the tv caught my attention as a neon pink can of ROCKAWAY SODA flashed on the screen. Transforming into tourist mode, I pulled out my phone to take a photo and celebrate the moment. I’ve known Bridget aka @drinkrockaway via Instagram for a few years. She’s fun, engaging, full of energy, and supportive when I’ve had a business question or needed a photography event sponsor. She’s never once hesitated. I’m a huge fan of her delicious healthy sodas in bright cans covered in beautiful Rockaway graffiti and an even bigger fan of her business savvy. Bridget’s a powerhouse. She’s been on the Forbes 30 Under 30, managed a successful Wall Street career, and created New York’s only rum distillery. All the while, Bridget has never lost her intimate relationship with New York City, the ocean, and her beloved Rockaway. 

On a cloudy Saturday morning, Bridget drives from her place in the city and meets me at my place in Rockaway. We’ve rescheduled a few times. Even though the unexpected clouds present a different sort of photo shoot, we agree to just do it. Carrying a backpack and a box of Rockaway Soda tucked under her arm, she tells me she’s nervous as we hug and combine all of our bags and props for our shoot. She’s taller in person with a lion’s mane of wild, glorious golden hair and a powerful, energetic presence. She smiles a lot, and it’s totally infectious, erasing any initial fears I had of her possibly being intimidating. Literally the minute our bare feet hit the sand, the rain starts. In true Bridget form, she’s entirely committed as my muse for the next hour and a half.

A week later I meet Bridget at the Chambers Street train stop, her work and home hub, a spot where past and present intersect. The epitome of cool, she’s wearing a plain black t-shirt, light washed jeans, and a pair of black and white hightop Vans. Whether in shorts on the beach or Vans on the street, Bridget looks right at home. It’s who she is as a person. She takes a brief second to “shake it out,” which makes us both laugh, before transforming back into muse mode. Listening to my direction, she poses on the street as people rush past us. Wrapping up shooting on the subway steps, we head towards the pier as she points out places that have always been a part of her life, like the building where she attended high school, the bar where she and her friends partied religiously back in the day and almost bought together when it recently came on the market. A quick wardrobe change, and she’s in a faux fur vest, slim pants and a long gold chain with a beautiful lion charm her parents gifted her years ago. We roam less crowded streets for our final part of the shoot, where we’re able to chase light and be bold.

Riley: Bridget, thank you so much for talking with me. Really excited for this interview and our beach photo shoot!

BF: Me too! I’m so happy to be collaborating with you. Your photos are so powerful and I’ve been such a fangirl from behind the screen. Plus another Rockaway ocean lover - a match made in heaven!

This wild side of the city changed my life five years ago. I’d completely lost my connection to the outdoors while focusing on raising a family and building a career. It wasn’t until I moved to Rockaway as an empty nester that I reconnected with being outside and in nature and embracing that peacefulness and lifestyle change. How have you managed staying connected to the wild, what you’ve called your happy place, while running your businesses?

BF: It’s funny - I love both the chaos and fiery energy of the NYC streets and the calm of the ocean. I’m a Leo (major fire sign) and I thrive in the intensity of the city energy but, I need the water to soothe me. I’m sure it’s part that and part that I was born and raised in Rockaway on the beach and in the ocean – it truly is home. On the sand and in the water is where I feel the most at peace. I maintain this particular fire-water balance by spending my weekdays in Manhattan focusing on my business and using the city’s energy to fuel me and I spend the weekends in Rockaway slowing down (a challenge for me!). The quiet, desolate off season is my favorite. The winter beach, cold water plunges, ah the best.

What is the major difference(s) in running ROCKAWAY SODA and running Owney’s Rum?

BF: Oh boy. How much time and space do we have for this response? Haha. Everything is different. The fact that they are both liquids might be the only commonality. I’m being a little facetious, but : different consumable categories, different sales channels, different distributors, different brands/messages/aesthetics, different missions. I’m also coming at ROCKAWAY SODA from a much different perspective and tons of experience – it’s more about my home and soul, it has a more purposeful mission to provide a healthy alternative to traditional soda, and more about conscious consumption offering a give back to the planet. I’m thinking much bigger. I know more. I’m setting up the fundamentals to have a sound and solid foundation for growth and scale. It’s leveling up 100%+.

Why is it so important for ROCKAWAY SODA to have Surfrider as a partner, and what exactly does that mean?

BF: I think it’s important for ROCKAWAY SODA to have a non-profit partner that has a mission that’s aligned. In this case it’s to put resources towards ocean conservation. We worked through our accreditation and partnership with 1% for the Planet to find the Surfrider Foundation whose values are synergistic with our mission at ROCKAWAY SODA. It was so important for me to have a pillar to this company that invoked conscious consumption. I believe you can do well by doing good. Obviously the ocean is near and dear to me so it was the clear choice in determining our ‘why’ and where to put our consumers’ hard earned dollars to work. 1% of all sales made of ROCKAWAY SODA go directly to helping protect the ocean. Soda that’s better-for-you and better-for-the-planet.

“Kicking yourself back into balance in real time is powerful.”

— Bridget Firtle

What’s your earliest memory of the ocean?

BF: I think Memorial Day weekends when I was really young – maybe like 3 or 4 years old. My Dad always jumped in the water to start the season with one of our neighbors. As you know, the water is still pretty cold at the end of May and the air temperature is a crapshoot (it was generally very mild in May 35+ years ago). But, as a kid you don’t remember the cold and without a doubt we were going to the beach and kicking off the summer season. There are some good home vhs videos somewhere…

What do you love most about Rockaway Beach?

BF: The people. It’s so old school and community oriented. Everyone’s hanging out in real life and looking out for each other. My friends from childhood in Rockaway are the definition of chosen family. Deep roots - a really hard thing to come by in 2024.

It seems as if everything you touch turns to gold. To some, it may even seem effortless. But if you pull back the curtain, and take a look inside, it’s instantly obvious that work ethic, drive, and confidence guide your success. What does it take to be successful? And how do you build the confidence to go with it?

BF: Haha I’m glad I’m maintaining such an image on the outside. This perception makes it look and sound so simple. As you say, there is so much behind the scenes work. Not only the endless to-do lists, everyday problems to solve, general capacity to figure shit out and think on large and small scales, but the more I grow and push the limits the more I realize the biggest key to success is ultimately a mind game. If you can conquer the voices in your head or at least learn to flow with them you will win. It is MUCH easier said than done. It’s a constant, evolving, never ending process if you keep pushing yourself to new levels. And there are endless levels. The mental health tolls of taking huge risks without any guarantees or visibility into the future can be debilitating. So many unknowns. So many uncontrollable variables. I read recently that entrepreneurs are a lot like artists – seeking chaos. And the successful entrepreneurs excel at thriving in and temporarily controlling the chaos. It resonated with me. I work on my mindset every day - wanting to occupy the one I call ‘totally unstoppable’. I do this through heightening my awareness and use many tools and tactics – moving my body, breathwork, journaling, vision boards, deep internal listening, stillness, slowing down. You have to push past the mind and go into the gut and heart. Align all three as frequently as possible and you will stay true to yourself, your decision making will come from a grounded place and your vision will remain sharp.

Chambers Street Subway Station, New York City

You and your husband have been together since you were kids, right? I mean that’s a success too. Relationships are hard. Do you feel like you approach personal relationships in much the same way you approach work?

BF: Yes, Harry and I have been together for close to 20 years. Wild! I truly believe that he is my soulmate. That sounds so lame and I am FAR from a romantic. But, you hear a lot of luck talk in interviews with successful business people. I think I got lucky finding and connecting with Harry (thanks to a nudge from mutual good friends). It has, for the most part, really been effortless. We just work. He’s seen me since before I even got my first job on Wall Street and now through the ups and downs of 2 businesses since. This time with a family on the line. I could not be authentically me without his multifaceted support. A true partner in every sense of the word.

As far as personal relationships outside of my marriage, I do not approach them the same way as work. I don’t overthink them. I tend to think A LOT about business which is my gift and also a curse. My personal relationships are easier. I don’t strategize them. Less effort. No push or force. More fluid. However, I show up big. That’s a similarity. I don’t take them for granted and understand they require work. I make time. I give big energy. I also have to say that I’ve attracted a pretty stellar group of friends over the years who I am also eternally grateful for – they fill me with joy, security and positive energy.

How did having your son change you?

BF: Also need a book’s worth of space to answer this one. So many of the things ‘they’ say are true. You can never really be prepared for what’s going to happen when you have a child. For me, it totally stopped me in my tracks. Like the initial high of a new baby was incredible – literally nothing else seemed to matter. This was it. I had struggled with the decision to have or not to have children for years and ultimately decided to jump in and was SO glad I did once Neilan was born. Then the dust settled and the identity crisis set in. How could I combine my old self with my new self?  What needed to shed and be let go? What were my new priorities? What was most important? I’d say it took about 12-18 months to figure that out and it’s ever changing. I now prioritize my time a lot differently and only hold space and energy for what truly matters in my new definition of ‘what matters.’ The whole experience is so joyful, so destabilizing, so humbling, so fulfilling, so exhausting and has provided SO MUCH GROWTH in such a short period of time. Truly incredible. Forever grateful.

You talk a lot about balance. In theory it sounds simple, but I believe it’s anything but simple. Why is balance so important? What are your keys to finding and maintaining balance in your life, both personally and professionally?

BF: Balance and alignment is key to maintaining correct, grounded energy levels. You are constantly getting pushed off the tracks of alignment and you have to come back to center. There is so much noise in the world. Maintaining balance helps you approach circumstances from a better state which gives clarity of thought and leads to more effective decision making which renders a higher probability of a better outcome and a more likely chance that everything will turn out great. A game of chance for sure, but self regulation helps keep you in command. I feel a bit like a broken record, but it’s about awareness and knowing yourself and what you need. Recognizing your pace, your energy, your emotional and physical states. And figuring out and eventually knowing what you need to realign and balance. For me, it’s physical movement, deep thought, hard work, good rest, fun, partying, eating healthy, indulging, laughing, crying. In my opinion you need it all. And you should have everything you want because you really can have it all. You can create the space. Knowing what’s in your tool box and what works for you is so clutch. Some days I need a walk, some days I need a nap, some days I need to be at my desk in deep thought for hours on end, some days I need 2 martinis and a basket of fries for dinner, some days I need green juice and salads, some days I just need to jump around and scream. It’s really an imperfect science. It’s self care but often you just don’t get it right and you're off the tracks for a while until you re-balance. But if you go too far away from yourself, you’ll burn out and then you’re screwed. Productivity down. Decision making power down. Negative thoughts. Loss of mindset. Crash. Takes a lot more effort to pick yourself back up from that. Kicking yourself back into balance in real time is powerful.

“What you focus on expands—it will fuel you.”

— Bridget Firtle

What advice would you give someone who’s thinking of starting a business?

BF: Commit. Commit. Commit. To everything. Surrender to lows. Enjoy and soak in the little wins along the way (something I could get way better at!). Focus on the wins. Keep a list. Refer back to it. What you focus on expands - it will fuel you. Find practices that help you work on your mindset that keeps your energy right to stay in the game. Use them. Every day. Multiple times a day. Be amenable to change (it’s inevitable and frequent), but hold a clear vision.  Like super clear. As granular as possible. For today, tomorrow, this week, this month, this quarter, this year, and then next 4 years. Check in with the vision. Allow yourself to change it but gut check - know when it’s YOU changing the vision or all the loud ass noise that’s going to be circulating around you at all times. Acknowledge the external voices and the internal ones. Continuously truth-seek and re-establish your truth. It’s allowed to change when it needs to. Be open to all the possibilities. The closer you get to the truth the better your decision making capabilities will be. Get quiet. Often. Get still and listen to your gut. Out of your head and into your heart and gut. Just keep moving.

Who are your role models?

BF: My parents. They are so strong. Tough. And so smart. And so savvy. And so tenacious. And humble. And kind. They came from the streets of Brooklyn and took themselves to new heights. I am who I am because they supported me, taught me how to build businesses and to persevere. To stay in the fight.

One of the things I admire most about you is your lack of fear. You just seem ready to conquer anything and everything that comes your way. And if it doesn’t come your way, you’ll go and get it yourself. What’s your relationship with fear?

BF: Oh I have fears - lots of them! I’m internally terrified and externally calm. I think the challenge and work is to create the right relationship with fear.  Or with any of your thoughts, emotions and feelings for that matter. When I started Owney’s Rum, there was way less fear. I was young, blindly naive, and so very driven. There were lows and fear but I didn’t know enough so there was less to worry about. With ROCKAWAY SODA I know too much post Owney’s experience and I also now have a family to concern myself with. I think the key is to continue heightening your awareness and get to know yourself better every day. Understand the thought patterns, the triggers, the loops, etc. Catch them, pop them. Don’t let the fear, which is a future based emotion not founded in truth, grip you and cause a spiral. I have some tricks that help me. Sometimes I catch the thought and do 10 jumping jacks or burpees to move the energy and change the state. Shake it off. Say “No” to the thought and shut that shit down. Sometimes I go through a series of logical and rational questions that I ask myself – ‘What is the worst thing that could happen? How likely is it to occur? Can I control that outcome? If so, what can I do right now to take action to mitigate the risk and reduce the worst case scenario?’ Then I take what I need from the answers in the form of action, or let the thought go if there is no basis. Fast. The faster you act or let go, the better. No festering. It helps to rewire your brain and default mode network. It’s neuroplasticity in action.

It’s oh so pivotal to have pockets of fun and find moments of joy in every day and to notice them and drink them in. 

And fun? What role does fun play in your life? I gotta admit, it looks like you have a lot of fun in your day to day life. 

BF: Fun is everything! At the end of the day, every day is a gift. And most everything else - fears, worry, stress, bs - is so meaningless when you take the pause to step back (easier said than done). If you’re not having fun, what are you doing wrong? How can you change that? I wasn’t having fun at the end of my Wall Street days, so I built a rum distillery. I wasn’t having fun working for the company that acquired Owney’s, so I started a soda company. I’m not saying all day every day is fun. But it’s oh so pivotal to have pockets of fun and find moments of joy in every day and to notice them and drink them in. Life is too short.

Fun with a toddler looks a bit different than fun looked before (haha) and I’m sure fun when my son is a bit older will look different yet again. Fun is so energizing and helps me stay in the game! Go out and play, however you might define that – drinking, laughing, dancing, games, new experiences, new restaurants, travel. With other people in the damn flesh. It can be so life giving. Make time for it – prioritize it in your calendar.

I love quotes. Powerful quotes feed my soul, especially when I’m in need of a little boost. Do you have a favorite quote?

BF: I also love quotes! So I can’t pick a favorite. Here are some of my go-tos:

Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face. - Mike Tyson

You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't how hard you hit; it's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done. - Rocky

There are only two options regarding commitment. You’re either IN or you’re OUT. There is no such thing as life in between. ~ Pat Riley

I really think a champion is defined not by their wins, but how they can recover when they fail. - Serena Williams

My motto was always to keep swinging.  Whether I was in a slump or feeling badly or having trouble off the field, the only thing to do was keep swinging. - Hank Aaron

It’s more difficult to stay on top than to get there. - Mia Hamm

If you have everything under control, you’re not moving fast enough. – Mario Andretti

During my 18 years, I came to bat almost 10,000 times. I struck out about 1700 times and walked maybe 1800 times. You figure a ball player will average 500 at bats a season. That means I played seven years without ever hitting the ball.  – Mickey Mantle

What’s next for you?

BF: I’m working every day to stay present. I think one of my strengths as a business person is staying 2,3,4,1000 steps ahead but it can also lead to missing the moments. Then everything becomes one big blur. Next is now.

Bridget, what are two or three things you know for sure?

BF: Your thoughts are the most limiting part of your capacity. What you focus on expands. Fun is so important – share moments with people. 99% of situations are not that serious when you step back. The ocean is healing.

Rockaway Soda displayed on the NYC Ferry

OG ROCKAWAY SODA cans