TEAM
♟ The Team
Meet the Buddies.
Four friends. One table. A whole lot of games. Here's the crew behind Board Game Buddies.
Frank DeCicco
President, Chair
"It's not about the games, it's about the people."
I've always said, "It's not about the games, it's about the people."
To me, there's something special about a physical game bringing people around a table to share a common experience. As kids, many of us grew up going to each other's houses to play games in the same room. As we got older, so much of that shifted online. But the need for connection never went away. We still crave those moments of fun, strategy, laughter, victory, and even defeat — together.
My love for board games started about 11 years ago when we went to buy Settlers of Catan. From there, the hobby grew into something much bigger: a shared passion, a growing collection, and a weekly tradition built around friendship and connection.
Dave, Mark, Tim, and I have been close friends since childhood, and it's rare to have a group of friends who all share the same passion for a hobby in such a meaningful way. After years of gathering around a wooden table in my basement, we started asking ourselves the same question: How can we take this to the next level?
After a lot of conversations and ideas, we came to one clear conclusion: trying to turn our hobby into a business would have taken away some of what made it special. But using it to bring people together and support others felt like something worth building.
That's how Board Game Buddies was born.
Dave Cupello
Vice President, Instruction
"The games give us a reason to meet, but the real reward is the community they create."
Board games have become more than just a hobby for me — they're a way to bring people together. Every week, my friends and I gather around the table not just to compete, but to connect. These sessions have become a tradition where we share stories, laugh, strategize, and build stronger bonds.
What I love most about board games is the depth of strategy and creativity they demand. Unlike video games with set paths to victory, board games offer a world of possibilities where every move can lead to multiple outcomes. They challenge me to think outside the box and constantly adapt. It's this blend of competition, creativity, and connection that makes board gaming such a meaningful part of my life.
Mark Maslowski
Vice President, Treasurer
"The game may be the reason we sit down, but the real value is the sense of belonging that grows from it."
Board games have become one of my favorite pastimes over the last 10 years. It has been a way to bring my friends together on a regular cadence. It's been a personal goal of mine to give back to the community, and I couldn't think of a better way to do so than through one of my favorite hobbies.
Board Game Buddies allows me to use play as a tool for connection, growth, and positive impact, creating welcoming spaces where people feel comfortable, included, and valued. I've always loved the creativity and strategy that board games encourage — and I'm thankful for the time shared with close friends, and even more excited to share that with our community.
Tim Victorine
Vice President, Secretary
"Win or lose, the time we spend together cannot be replaced."
Family, friends, and my students are the most important things to me. When we started this board game journey more than 15 years ago, I never could have imagined what it would turn into. It has opened the door to new creative and strategic experiences, while also strengthening the bond within our friendship in a really meaningful way.
One of the best parts of learning new games has been bringing them into the classroom to help build engagement, critical thinking, and teamwork. That is why I feel so strongly about bringing this same passion to Board Game Buddies. I always look forward to our game nights and to continuing to build on old memories while making new ones.
Want to join the table?
We're always looking for people who believe in the power of play.