Anthony is the youngest of four boys, raised in a Christian home with a strong foundation of faith. From an early age, his parents taught him to “walk with Jesus” and keep Him at the center of every decision. Like many, he eventually drifted, chasing fulfillment through worldly achievements, believing a good education, career, our relationship could fill an inner void. But the more he accomplished, the more the emptiness grew. His goals shrank, motivation faded, and depression set in. After years of calling himself a Christ-follower, he realized he never truly surrendered. One desperate night he cried out for help, feeling a calming response, “I’m willing to, but you have to let Me.” He gave full control to Jesus in that moment, discovering that true fulfillment is found only in God’s grace. His faith was nurtured by the steady example of his parents, who modeled unwavering trust in God. Through a local Bible group, Anthony came to understand that salvation is a gift, not something to be earned. A quote by Blaise Pascal struck a chord: “There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every man.” That truth unlocked something deeper. He embraced Christ not only as Savior but as the only answer to the void. That realization birthed purpose, a passion for Scripture, a desire to serve, and ultimately the vision for co-founding 1upstairs. Today, Anthony is a devoted father to Vinny and Cici, striving to guide them with the same Christ-centered love he received growing up. He lives out his faith through service, helping others through their own spiritual and personal battles. Whether the need is emotional, relational, or physical, Anthony believes true happiness is found in holiness and submission to God's will.

Marcus is the youngest of three siblings, born much later in his parents’ lives and often called a “blessing.” Raised in a Baptist family deeply rooted in church life, his mother served as church secretary and treasurer, while his father was a deacon. Both also devoted their lives to teaching in Chicago Public Schools. From an early age, Marcus was active in church, playing drums and keyboard for the choir and participating in numerous activities. But his faith was tested by personal loss. At age nine, his father survived a major heart attack. Three years later, Marcus lost his mother to ALS. That season of grief matured him quickly, shaping a pragmatic mindset, but he never lost his deep sense of God's presence. Even in pain, he often sensed God’s favor and nearness. At 16, Marcus chose to be baptized, not out of pressure, but as a personal declaration of faith. Though often quiet and reserved, those who know Marcus find him to be a man of deep empathy, loyalty, and quiet strength. His guiding principle is rooted in 1 John 4:21, loving others as evidence of our love for God. He believes in the brotherhood of mankind and the sacredness of serving others. Years later, after losing his father, Marcus founded a hospice agency dedicated to caring for the terminally ill, a mission that felt like a full-circle tribute to his mother’s own journey with ALS. The agency was named in her honor. It was through this work that Marcus deepened his friendship with Anthony, who volunteered at the hospice. Together, they would eventually co-found 1upstairs, an initiative born from shared faith, a desire to serve, and the conviction that everyone has something to give. Now a husband to his middle school sweetheart and as a father of four, Marcus continues to walk out his faith with quiet conviction. His life has been shaped by loss, love, and the unmistakable hand of God. He believes God’s plan is intricate and intentional, and that our role is to listen, obey, and serve with humility in everything we do.