Little known fact: Amy and Amanda once considered signing up to compete in the Amazing Race, and they gave some serious thought as to what that audition tape might need to include. It’s a good bet that these two would be entertaining to watch; born only 22 months apart, Amy and Amanda have developed hallmark characteristics that only sisters would share. Years of squabbles made them experts in the art of laying it all out on the table (often loudly) and then picking it back up and getting on with things at record speed (forgive and forge on!). They don’t just talk fast either (it may as well be its own language), as a result of the famous (infamous?) Taub family driving skills a high-stakes betting ring would probably emerge over who got to take the wheel on a given leg of the race. Does the next challenge have them moving random furniture? Maybe they need to dig a hole while solving a puzzle? At the roadblock will they have to clean every last bit of something without missing a spot? Their teamwork was honed over many a “Taub Family Fun Day” — they would be front runners every time.
These two know and understand each other better than most ever could, sometimes they don’t even need all of the necessary words to be said, they just get it (probably best not to let them be on the same team for board game night). They’ve also seen one another through a lot of change, learning to allow and encourage each other to grow. Amy has watched Amanda blossom over the last several years since she became a mother, and is so proud of the patient and gracious woman she has become in the process. These two may never compete in the Amazing Race, but as far as Amy is concerned, getting to be sisters means they’ve already won.
Amy’s youngest sister is a rare creative talent; from the spectacular sounds she can project from her tiny frame, the grace with which she plays any instrument she picks up, to her well-honed artistic vision — the only thing more impressive than the magic she can capture through a lens is the person behind the camera. The empathy she has for others is off the charts, and it’s her understanding and compassion for those around her that have brought her closer to both Amy and Jon, evolving over time from sister into friend. These two ladies have been all but following one another around New York City for almost a decade, never living more than a few blocks apart.
Jennifer, a professional glass artist and professor, embodies many of the same qualities as her chosen medium — brilliance, strength, focus and subtlety. From an early age she used her hands to shape raw materials into beautiful pieces of art; but it was her words, determination and actions which shaped her brother, Jonathan, into a more mature and polished person.
From their first meeting, Amy has admired how thoughtful, patient and perceptive Jennifer is — especially as they are qualities so different from her own! The old saying “those who can’t do, teach” has no relevance as far as Jenny is concerned; when it comes to “doing” she is one of the very best, and as a teacher she is a very rare talent indeed (both in and outside of the classroom). As the oldest of three sisters, Amy is so grateful to welcome Jenny as her older sister; excited for all she has yet to learn!
Cue the romantic comedy soundtrack and get ready for a meet-cute! Angela was out shopping when she saw the perfect leather bag, but just as she started to move towards it another woman scooped it up. As luck would have it, she spotted an identical one just a few minutes later; she grabbed her lovely bag, joined the checkout line, and then realized she was standing right behind the bag snatcher woman! But any frustration she had felt towards her quickly dissolved as Amy turned around with a wink and said “you have great taste.” They walked out of that shop with their matching bags and plans for drinks that evening.
A decade later, Angela and Amy have found that their fast friendship is one built to last. As busy as she gets with her career at the United Nations (Amy is so proud of her), and even though Klaus’ work has taken them halfway around the world, Angela has always been there — ready with a generous ear, a caring smile and her sage advice.
Caroline is the bride’s leading partner in crime and fellow female protagonist in almost all of Amy’s most epic adventures; these two are a powerful dynamic duo. Almost 15 years ago they happened into the same yoga class, and it took Amy only two more to decide that Caroline would be her best friend. Amy asked her out on a post-class lady date and the rest is history — a history filled with the highs, lows and all of the little things in between that have forged the incredible bond of friendship and sisterhood that these two share.
There are few people Amy has seen work as hard for as long as Caroline. Her brilliance and resilience are quite simply remarkable; and that she chose to apply those qualities to a challenging career as a surgeon is something we can all be grateful for. She has the capacity to take that on and still have space to be such a wonderful friend — and she does so with no short supply of delightfully dry and quick wit!
In Christie, Amy has found a fellow change agent committed to making the world a better place. Christie’s entrepreneurial efforts (Picture Motion and now Kinema!) give scale to important voices that need to be heard — Amy and Jon are both immeasurably proud of her and the work she does. But it certainly isn’t all work and no play! Christie and Amy will often be found chatting at a new restaurant, lurking in a jazz bar, discussing politics over cocktails or debating what life would be like if they were in fact witches (their friendship made even more exceptional by the fact that they aren’t even in the same Hogwarts House!).
Amy grows more impressed with Christie every time they get together, and it isn’t her accomplishments that leave such an impression. Christie’s kindness, candor and humility have opened up a world of conversation that always leaves Amy feeling seen and understood... An evening with Christie means returning home happier, smarter and a little more whole.
With her amazing off-roading skills, determination and fierce competitive spirit, you might mistake Leann for a Taub. And after she was crowned undisputed winner of Musical Pool Floats at Amy and Jon’s engagement party, even Jon was convinced she must be an immediate relation of Amy’s. However, despite some extensive genealogy research, the bride has found no connection. She may not be a sister by blood, but Leann has easily and quickly become a part of Amy’s chosen family.
In Leann, Amy has found a fellow adventurer, and life has been made so much more fun! Now Amy isn’t looking around to find she is the only female raising her hand when someone asks “who wants to go jump off that cliff!?” (or drive a buggy over those dunes, or leap off of the high ledge of that waterfall, or bungee into that volcano out of a helicopter… you get the idea). This woman truly is a marvel; she possesses incredible strength that she somehow manages to balance with uncanny grace and gentleness. Despite all of the outrageous and fantastic stories Amy has heard about Leann, it is how deeply she cares about others that Amy noticed first. It is all of those things and more that made them such great friends, right from the start.
Sarah is one of the groom’s closest and longest friendships. It was only a few short months after Jon moved to New York in 2007 that he met Sarah. Since then, they have ruled over the NYC bar trivia circuit, sang along to almost every Broadway show and have been each other’s wingman countless times.
It’s no surprise that when he had to design the perfect ring and find the absolute right stone, Sarah is who he called. Sarah welcomed Amy into the friend family like few others could; with her bright smile, generous spirit, and her always-in-your-corner love and loyalty, it took her approximately 10 minutes to win Amy over too.
If the measure of a good life is the person who does the most exciting things in their time on Earth, then Chris Shively is truly living the best life. As Jon looks back on his greatest adventures over the past decade (learning to ski, Ironman, Haymakers For Hope), there is always one constant – Chris. He’s the guy who always shows up and always inspires you to be your best self. When he is around Chris, anything – and Jon means anything – is possible.
When past generations imagined future female leaders it was Gina they had in mind (and damn would they be proud!). While others may cut corners or shrink from responsibility, Gina stands taller in the face of adversity - owning her truth, and doing so in red-soled stilettos.
Many know her as a Boss, but Amy and Jon feel so fortunate to know so many more sides of her. Gina is compassionate, fights for the rights of others and is a steadfast friend. Whether Jon is celebrating victory, wrestling with a tough decision or having a bad day, Gina is always one of his first phone calls. She usually knows just the right thing to say and that all of these situations call for great champagne.
Tim has been the “older brother” taking care of Jon since he moved to New York City in 2007. A senior statesman of the advertising world, Tim is credited with teaching Jon how to negotiate with NY landlords, throw epic rooftop parties, order the perfect steak, drink the right wine, ride the subway, give the Bronx cheer to the Boston Red Sox from bleachers at Old Yankee Stadium and all the other necessary life skills that Big Brothers teach — some of which may be better not to mention here ;)
A friendship forged over nine innings at a baseball game in the Bronx has come a long way over 12+ years — but as far as Jon and Joe are concerned, this game is still in the early innings. While they met at a baseball game, you’re more likely to find these two at a local haunt (if Jon is choosing location) or one of NYC’s best restaurants (if Joe is picking) discussing every aspect of the marketing industry or planning some new adventure. The conversation has matured, the size of their ambitions have grown larger and the whiskey has been traded for Komos (amazing Tequila), but their shared passion for doing brilliant work and making a lasting impact has remained constant.
Boss, Mentor, Coach and Chairman of Jon’s Personal Board of Directors; Sean has played all of these roles and more over the past two decades. After a chance meeting at an industry event Sean hired Jon to work for him directly, a move that dramatically accelerated the entire trajectory of Jon’s professional life. While Sean has done a lot for Jon’s career, his steadfast friendship and honest advice have been even more powerful; they have shaped Jon into the empathetic leader he is so proud to be today.
It's no secret that Jon loves the University of Michigan. But it’s not the football team, the basketball team, the campus or even the degree that mean so much to him, it's the amazing lifelong friendships that he’s graduated with. These two were fast friends right from opening orientation where CJ (the math whiz and ever patient teacher) taught Jon NPV calculations, ensuring he survived MP’s finance class. From then on they were — and are — inseparable teammates. CJ has impressive quantitative skills, direct leadership, time management and does an amazing job being an involved dad to four children. He is an inspiration and role model for how Jon wants to be in both his professional and personal life.
The only thing better than traveling the world to see exciting new places is the amazing humans you meet along the way. You could travel around the world 10 times over and you still wouldn’t find anyone as caring, talented and thoughtful as Anuj.
These two friends were first connected when Anuj accepted a role at Starcom China with Jon. They worked shoulder to shoulder for two years on P&G business and have continued their close partnership at Mondelez International when Anuj joined the company in 2018. What a gift to work alongside friends like Anuj — with him around, the job never feels like work.
Josh’s ability to see potential in and deeply care for others, and his willingness to do anything for a friend makes him truly special. Whether it was spending hours just hanging out in Duke’s bar when Jon knew only five people in New York City or lifting spirits when he was down, there was no length Josh wasn’t willing to go to get a smile, a laugh or to create joy. When others say there is no way that is going to happen or give a flat out “No”, Josh Abrams says “Well, let’s figure it out; Sure, let’s give it a go; or Okay, sounds good!” That approach has led him to work at some of the world’s most successful advertising start ups and be the trusted friend that everybody loves.
Elephant, Whale, Badger, Camel... Over the past three years visiting 66 Water Street, Brian’s animal spirit has taken on these forms and so many more. While the animal spirit will change to suit the day and the lesson he needs to learn, some things remain constant. Brian is absolutely the best birthday toast giver, the best design client Amy has ever taken on (he listens, and trusts), the best person to hit golf balls with, and there is nobody that Amy and Jon would rather sit around and enjoy a bottle of wine with while using their diverse lexicon of accents. They can't think of anyone who they would be happier to have officiate their wedding — providing of course, he keeps his promises to Jon’s mom ;)
