Jonathan Negretti is the principal of local personal injury law firm Negretti & Associates and will be participating as a competitor in the 2020 World Marathon Challenge. The World Marathon Challenge, which involves the unfathomable feat of running seven full marathons on seven continents in seven days, will kick-off on Feb. 6, 2020 in Novo, Antartica. Negretti will be one of only 50 competitors and will be competing to raise funds and awareness for Heather’s Mission, a nonprofit organization co-founded by Negretti’s wife to help those suffering from Crohn’s and Colitis Disease. Learn more about Jonathan Negretti…
Hometown: Apache Junction, AZ
First job: My first real job was a janitor at a local health food store in Apache Junction. I would sweep, mop, and clean the store. Although not glamour work, it was work that needed to be done. I was so proud when I got my first paycheck. I think I put all of it in the bank and didn’t spend any of it.
Favorite AZ restaurant: This has changed over the years, but currently my favorite restaurant is Green Vegetarian. They have two locations in town. They do a great job of debunking the myth that all vegetarians eat is lettuce.
Person who has impacted your life the most: My wife. If you met her (even just for a moment) you would know why. She’s one of those people that you are lucky to meet once in your life. She radiates happiness and joy. She is driven, successful, beautiful and stunning and unbelievably caring. She carries herself with dignity and grace and pours her heart into helping others. She is the epitome of what we all hope we could be.
Your biggest accomplishment in your eyes: Probably getting into law school. No actually, transferring into the ASU law school. I didn’t get accepted by ASU as a first-year law student. I called the Dean of Admissions at ASU Law and asked her how to get in through the side door. She gave me straightforward advice. I told her I would see her next fall. I worked my tail off during my 1L year and was accepted immediately upon my transfer application.
The biggest obstacle you have overcome: Battling Ulcerative Colitis. The battle physically was really hard, but overcoming the battle mentally was even harder. I recently started to share my story with the world and it has amazed me how compassionate people really are.
Someone who inspires you: My brother. Look, we didn’t have it easy growing up. My dad left early, my brother was thrust into this father figure role he really didn’t ask for and my mom was trying to get us off of welfare and into a more stable situation. My brother is probably one of the hardest working people I have ever come across. He grinds day in and day out. He has risen to a level professionally that sounds like a Cinderella story. Personally, he has recreated himself time and time again, becoming an amazing dad, devoted husband and CrossFit junkie. He is also extremely thoughtful, but don’t tell him I told you that.
Favorite quote: Success is not owned, it is rented, and the rent is due every day.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Don’t forget why you decided to go to law school. It’s easy to get caught up in the work and forget about the clients that it really affects. Make a difference in everything you do.
What you think makes someone fabulous: Their willingness to do the work even when no one it watching. It’s easy to be fabulous when everyone is watching you, but can you be fabulous when no one is?
