Interview with Jeff Gmerek-Cover Model and Body Builder
March 25, 2014 marks the date of JR Ward’s much anticipated release of The King (Wrath and Beth’s continuing story). The Reading Cafe would like to introduce Jeffrey J. Gmerek -the cover model for The King and the re release of Dark Lover (Feb 2014)
TRC: Hi Jeff and welcome to The Reading Cafe. Congratulations on making the cover of J.R.Ward’s THE KING.
We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?
Jeff: I have had health problems growing up where I had to give up sports and focus on my heath, which is how I got into the fitness scene 7 years ago. I am a 100% Natural Fitness Model/Bodybuilder from New York. I am a Special Education Teacher. I’ve been signed with a Fitness Modeling agency in NYC for 4 years as well as a Model for Extreme Sun Capsule.
TRC: What type of daily regimen do you follow to stay in shape? Does it change based on cover shoots and job requirements?
Jeff: I wake up at 6am every morning and go to sleep at 10pm. Sleep is very important when trying to build muscle. I designed my own nutrition plan where I follow a High Protein/High Carb Diet. Email me for nutrition plans (serious inquiries only at Juniorizzy@aol.com). I am 6 foot 1 245lbs. Depending on job requirement I have to make sure that I look the part depending what type of build they want for the covers.
TRC: There is always a story behind being discovered. Would you please tell us about your foray into the cover model business?
Jeff: I was discovered about 4 years ago by Silver Model Management’s CEO Adam Silver. From there everything fell right into place. I have to give a special thanks to Tony Mauro, one of the best illustrators/graphic artist around.
TRC: Nudity in modeling or acting can be controversial. Some pictures can cross the line between sexuality and pornography. What is your opinion about nude modelling?
Jeff: I have never done nude modeling nor will I ever.
TRC: The modeling industry exposes you to many people and sometimes it can be very stressful. At times do you feel alone, surround by so many people? What do you do when the stress becomes overwhelming?
Jeff: My family, friends and photographers have and always will be very supportive of me. Sometimes is it very stressful, especially when I have to travel and make sure I have everything that I need(especially my meals.)
TRC: At The Reading Cafe we first became aware of you as a cover model for J.R.Ward’s THE KING (2014). Do you know on how many covers you have appeared? Do you remember your first cover on which your image appeared?
Jeff: I have been on 12 Book covers, several magazines in the U.S. and one of the best known magazines(Vanity) in the U.K. Last year I won the Best Male Cover of the Year which was Nalini Singh’s Archangel’s Storm.
TRC: At times, there has been a stigma surrounding the male model and the romance-cover industry. But the popularity of the paranormal romance storyline has skyrocketed in the last few years with the many vampire, werewolf and fantasy storylines. What is your opinion about the recent popularity and the very busy industry of the romance cover model?
Jeff: That the reader gets involved and can’t put the book down, wanting more.
TRC: What do you feel is the most important or interesting aspect of the romance cover industry?
Jeff: To catch the reader’s eye and get their full attention.
TRC: If you could become a contestant on a reality TV program, which show would you choose and why?
Jeff: Funny your ask this question. Just the other day I got asked to be on The Bacholerette.
TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception about yourself?
Jeff: That people judge me by my looks. I was raised very old school and am very family oriented.
TRC: Would you please tell us what you do to relax?
Jeff: I like to go in my hot tub and turn on the TV or listen to music while I am in it. During the summer I like to go up to my beach house.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Favorite Food: Steak
Favorite Dessert: Ice Cream
Favorite Movie: Training Day
Favorite TV Show: The Voice
Last Movie that you Saw: 42
Dark or Milk Chocolate: Milk
Pet Peeve: People chewing with their mouth open
Secret Celebrity Crush: Vida Guerra
TRC: Thank you Jeffrey for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the upcoming release of THE KING and your coveted image. We wish you all the best for future covers.
