Exclusive Interview with Eric Simms of ESS Promotions

Professional wrestling has been a phenomenon for decades with many pointing towards 1980’s as the peak of popularity; it has often been called “The Golden Age of Wrestling”. Some of the most popular stars from the decade are still active today, and one talent agency based in New Jersey looks out for them. For 34 years Eric Scott Simms Promotions (ESS) has been booking former and current professional wrestlers at conventions, wresting shows, autograph signings and much more. It is considered to be one of the largest talent agencies for former professional wrestlers. Talent agent Eric Simms works with wrestling promotions, stores and more to promote wrestlers from the 1980’s, the 1990’s and current superstars’ fans have enjoyed over the years.

Mr. Simms has been a fan of wrestling after a match with Bob Backlund & Greg “The Hammer” Valentine at Madison Square Garden was recommended to him by a friend in 1977. He broke into the wrestling business in 1985 working multiple jobs from ring announcing, crew, merchandising to becoming a wrestler before deciding to stay behind the scenes. After becoming friendly with many of the talent he began to promote his first show in 1987. “It’s all about developing relationships.” says Mr. Simms. Mr. Simms began working with local current and former wrestling promotions including National Wrestling Superstars for 12 years before it closed down, USA Pro, National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) and Eastern/Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). Mr. Simms as well works events outside of New Jersey, most recently a show in Illinois.

Mr. Simms works closely with wrestlers such as The Iron Shiek, Ron Simmons, Val Venis, Honkey Tonk Man and other former television talent fans will recognize. He also works with wrestling promotions including SWF LIVE in Bayville, NJ and Warriors of Wrestling in Staten Island, NY.

Mr. Simms as well has an eye on current independent wrestling talent he thinks could be big stars in the business and potential work with someday. “Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF), looks like he is going to be the hottest heel in wrestling.” says Mr. Simms. He also believes Teddy Hart, Bulldog Harry Smith, Joey Janela, Orange Cassidy, Joey Ryan, Sami Callahan and Tessa Blanchard are great talents. He does have advice for those wishing to enter the wresting business “Get your education, go to school; have something to fall back on. It’s very important not everybody makes its.”

For more information about ESS visit the website esspromotions.com. Mr. Simms can be contact by email: eric@esspromotions.com.

Photo courtesy of Eric Simms. From left to right: Tony Atlas, Simms, Tatanka

Alternate Ending Beer Company Coming To Aberdeen, New Jersey

An expression often used is “when one door closes, another one opens.” For nearly 49 years residents of Aberdeen, NJ would come to the local movie theater to see the latest blockbuster films. Starting off as Strathmore Twin Cinema before becoming a part of Bow Tie Cinemas in 2013, the theater became a staple for the community.  Soon the theater will close its doors and a new business will have the opportunity to grow. On June 11, Alternate Ending Beer Company announced that they will be opening a brand new brewery sometime in spring 2020. Founder and CEO Scott Novick is thrilled about having his longtime dream come true in his home state; he is formerly of Morganville and currently resides in Colts Neck. “We want our children to be able to enjoy a movie and a meal while we enjoy a great beer at the same time,” said Novick.

Novick graduated from Tulane University where he enjoyed all the food and culture he experienced. Upon graduation, Novick worked as an on-air marketer at Viacom in New York City leading multiple small teams for 12 years. Novick and his wife Jen moved back to Monmouth County shortly after Superstorm Sandy, whilst there Novick began cultivating his love for brewing. It would lead to him beginning a Craftbrewer’s Apprenticeship program at the American Brewers Guild located in Vermont. After another apprenticeship, Novick would earn an opportunity to work at a much-respected brewery called Other Half in Brooklyn, NY. Novick worked multiple jobs such as sales and barreling until he began brewing multiple flavors of beers. While Novick was happy at his job, a great opportunity came up in Aberdeen, NJ.

Novick and Jen learned Bow Tie would not be renewing its lease for the theater. Having grown up going to the theater and getting to know the community, Novick met with the landlord Harry Rosenblum to discuss the possibility for a brewery. “After one meeting with {Rosemblum} I gave my employer six weeks’ notice and started working on a business plan and lease negotiations,” said Novick.

Novick has many plans for his first company including live entertainment, food, movies and sporting events; he also wants to bring nostalgia to the community. “We want to bring Alternate Ending to a very special place for a lot of us (myself included) who grew up going to the Aberdeen movie theater,” said Novick.

Many New Jersey residents are happy about Alternate Ending coming to Aberdeen. “I’m excited.” said Gina Vargas, a former Aberdeen resident now living in Jackson. “It will bring something exciting to the town,” There are moviegoers who will miss having a local theater. “I’m actually so disappointed and sad to see the theater leave.=,” said Patricia Bellisario, a Colts Neck resident and regular customer at the theater.

Alternate Ending is expected to open in spring 2020. Mr. Novick is very excited to be opening his first company. “I just want to make beer that I’m proud of, food that makes people nod their head yes signaling “this is tasty” and provide an environment that attracts all walks of life.  I know this is going to be hard work, long hours and extremely stressful, but at the same time, I get goosebumps dreaming about walking into this vision that is currently firing between my two ears right now.”