Getting to Know Bryan Lapidus
Bryan holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from The University of Michigan - Stephen M. Ross School of Business. He serves as an Assistant Vice President at L&L Holding Company, dedicated to the repositioning of Terminal Warehouse. Bryan is a passionate Wolverine and follows all things Michigan Athletics. If the Maize & Blue are playing in the Tri-State area there's a good chance Bryan is in attendance. He is also a certified Emergency Medical Technician and volunteers with his local ambulance corps.
What are some areas in life that you are most passionate about?
I've always been passionate about giving back to the community. I love being with people and I love helping out, which is what drove me to become an EMT 10 years ago. I also love everything about Michigan!
What got you interested in becoming an EMT?
In my 5th grade yearbook, my future goal was to become an EMT (and work for L&L), so I guess somehow I knew when I was that young. I also used to get hurt all the time as a kid, which likely played a role!
What has it been like being on the frontline in New York City during this pandemic?
The most appropriate word is exhausting. At the height of things, we were responding to back-to-back emergencies which was both physically and mentally exhausting.
What has been the most challenging part of COVID-19 for you?
Being apart from people. I love interacting with my friends, family, co-workers, etc. - not being able to have that human interaction is tough.
What advice would you give to people struggling with fear of this virus?
Everything seems to be pointing us in the right direction. Cases are going down, care is more definite, and preventative measures are much further understood. On the EMT front, NYC daily call volume has decreased back down to normal levels, which is almost half of what we saw at the spike.
What has given you hope during this time?
It was really amazing to see the community come together to support each other, first responders, and healthcare workers. From people saying thank you on the streets, to donations of PPE/supplies/meals, to the 7pm clap, it's really just refreshing. In addition, the amazing care available really presented itself. Healthcare workers came in from all around the country to help NYC, as we quickly became the epicenter.
Why is giving to Michigan Athletics important to you?
Michigan athletics was such an important part of my time in Ann Arbor. It provides a really special experience that I have not felt anywhere else. The camaraderie on game day is really amazing.
Why is it so important to give now?
The 4 years at Michigan were the best 4 years of my life. I want to give back to ensure that more and more people get to enjoy that same experience. In addition to my personal experience, many of my friends and family members have become huge Michigan fans solely due to my amazing experience.
What is your favorite Michigan Athletics memory?
Honestly I have to be broad here. Walking with 100,000+ fellow fans to the Big House is really just an amazing feeling. Everyone seems happy and excited to go cheer for Michigan - everyone is friends on game day.
