Photographer

Several random events led to career interests and career changes. 

FAMILY BACKGROUND

CM was born in Atlantic City, NJ, a proud son of immigrants who had been orphaned refugees of the Armenian genocide. His father died when CM was 9 years old, when his mother went to work in a candy factory, decorating Easter eggs to support the family.

FIRST RANDOM EVENT – FINDING AN INTERESTING ANTIQUE

At age 10, CM found an antique rifle under the Atlantic City boardwalk. It wasn’t that it was a valuable gun; it was a mystery: why is it here? That was the spark that gave him the idea: “Things have a life!” This spark was never extinguished, as CM became a “collector” and later transformed his passion to understand the previous life of the things he collected, into a full-time business as an antiques dealer. 

But first, he traveled other career paths. 

SECOND RANDOM EVENT – WHY A MILITARY SPECIALTY WAS CHOSEN

When CM joined the Army, he taught himself photography to qualify for his own room as a platoon photographer. Upon his military discharge, his skill as a photographer earned him the opportunity to be the official photographer for the Miss America Pageant, then held annually in Atlantic City.

FINALLY, A NATURAL TRANSITION: PHOTOGRAPHY TO ADVERTISING

CM enrolled in LaSalle College and the Charles Morris Price School of Advertising in Philadelphia, following which he began a long career with the Ford Motor Company, first in its marketing divisions and ultimately in the company’s government liaison department. 

CAREER SATISFACTION

During CM’s years in advertising and as his company’s representative with politicians, working well into his 80s as a consultant, CM recalled his parents’ history as survivors of European genocide and therefore honed his deep passion for American democracy and a great respect for its political system and government. Having the opportunity as a child of immigrants, to succeed in the world of American business, CM believed it was his obligation to politely remind folks what a lucky privilege it was to be born in America, so his frequent advice was to not waste the opportunity to work hard and help others to succeed!