As a resident of Asbury Park during the No Lifeguard era, Paul’s formative experiences included playing for the Tigers in the local Little League, working a part-time job repairing washing machines at Norge Village on Main Street, and completing his secondary education at Asbury Park High School. He uses his first-hand knowledge of the town’s 1970s culture and streetscape to impart rich detail and personal insights to his telling of the story.

Paul graduated from Franklin & Marshall College and earned an M.S. and Ph.D. from Brown University. His life’s journey took him far from Asbury’s boardwalk and beaches, but his years there had a lasting impact on his heart and spirit.