Jeffrey Otto-Stathus has lived in Wisconsin his whole life. He grew up in West Allis until he made his way out to Sussex and then to Oconomowoc where he plans to stay. There are many different types of jobs that have given him plenty of experience working with people.
Jeffrey worked at Sussex Bowl managing the kitchen and assisting with the lanes. He was also a bank manager for Guaranty Bank, which brought him to Oconomowoc a few times as well. Fast forward to his current career, which is Manager and Head Instructor at Momentum Martial Arts – formerly known as Family Tae Kwon do – where he has been for the last 7 years. He loves working with the families that come through their doors. Getting to know them, and the kids that are looking for a fun activity, while also helping the parents instill values at the same time, has been rewarding for him.
About Jeffrey Otto-Stathus
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My wife, Gaby, also works at the Martial Arts School. She is our Social Media and Event Coordinator. She is also a Mentor at Lad Lake.
Q: Please tell us about your life and what you do (whether working in our community, a business owner, volunteer, etc.). How did you choose that path?
I am the Manager/Head Instructor at Momentum Martial Arts in Oconomowoc. I happen to live across the street from the school when they were looking for help, so I set up an appointment and the rest is history.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
Seeing the kids and families come in for something fun and exciting to do, and then leave knowing they have earned more than just a good time. They have learned valuable life skills that will help them for the rest of their life.
Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?
My wife has had many health issues along the way which has created some difficulties along the way. At the same time though, I feel like it has led us to this point in life that we are at now, and I couldn’t be happier for that.
Q: What is the most rewarding part?
Seeing the kids realize what their full potential is after overcoming the difficult challenges that they face in class and then applying that to their life.
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
Find those that have succeeded before you and learn from them. There will be things that you try that will not work so you must be flexible as well, and not give up.
Jeffrey Otto-Stathus & Our Community
Q: What is your favorite thing about our community, favorite thing to do, or something unique about our community that you love? (Feel free to share as much as you’d like!)
I love the Lake Country community because of all the family events that there are to do here. The people can be very friendly as well.
Q: Who is an interesting person you’ve met here in our community, and how have they inspired you?
Laura Barczak, owner of Momentum Martial Arts, is an amazing person. She has opened my eyes to things that I can do and have while being part of a bigger community at the same time.
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
Java Hut is my go-to coffee shop.
Q: What 3 words would you use to describe our community?
Caring, Fun, Growth.
For Fun
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I had an afro in high school.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife.
Q: If you were a drink (can be a coffee drink, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, etc.), what would you be?
Caramel Frappucino.
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be with? Why?
Chester Bennington. He was the lead singer of my favorite band, LInkin Park, and I would have loved to get to know what kind of person he was.
Q: What makes you the happiest?
Spending time with my wife.
Where to Find Jeffrey Otto-Stathus
Email: jeff@momentumocon.com
Phone: (262) 888-3434
