Street Style: Johnny Garstka

You can't miss Johnny Garstka even if you tried. Not only because he is very tall, but more importantly he will introduce himself to you and want to get to know you the moment you meet him. And not just along the typical lines of what do you do, and where do you live as is required for networking in the DC area. He is a great conversationalist, and he cares about the people that enter his life – his friends, clients, and community. And as soon as you meet him, you are part of that community. He is a great connector of people.

As a financial planner, you will normally catch him out in suits, or slacks, but even then, he isn't all business. Johnny is quick to laugh and put you at ease while making complex financials seem manageable, like boxes that just need to find their place. He will break things down over a coffee and just talk to you about your goals, and what that means for your financial planning.  

He is also incredibly community-minded and has ingrained himself in local volunteer work and organizations. Be it volunteering in the Scottish Walk, for the Del Ray Business Association, or at the Turkey Trot, Johnny is quick to jump in and make things work, that is just his personality – he has a "let's make it happen" attitude and is the first person to help you when you need a hand.  

On the weekends, you will more likely catch him in golf attire or a button-down and jeans after getting off the course. He takes his hobbies seriously, as well. He is an avid, and let's be honest, pretty decent golfer. He is also a dedicated Clemson alumnus. He has a very work-hard, play-hard attitude, but he doesn't take himself too seriously. 

Photography by Renée C. Gage Photography.

Johnny is styled by Yellow Jacket.

ABOUT YOU

Neighborhood: Old Town Alexandria, VA

What is your hometown: Springfield, VA

What would surprise people about you? Growing up I dreamed of becoming a professional soccer player, then that switched to a dream of becoming a professional golfer. Unfortunately, neither panned out but I love what I do for work now. 

Favorite book or movie: Top Gun – such a classic. 

Guilty Pleasure: Hershey’s Milk Chocolate with Almonds

Latest binge-watch: Full Swing – a Netflix Series about the PGA Tour 

Bucket list travel destination: Iceland 

STYLE

Define your style in three words or less: Athleisure, Business, Golf

The go-to piece in your wardrobe: A good pair of 7 For All Mankind Jeans

Favorite trend: Slim fit pants for men

Beauty product you can’t live without: Lip balm. Chapped lips are a no go. 

Boots, sneakers, or sandals? Sneakers – I really enjoy living an active lifestyle and spending as much time outside as possible. 

WELLNESS

Go-to way to de-stress: Walking 9 or 18-holes of golf. There are few things that compare to summer evenings on the golf course and finishing a round as the sun sets. Spending time on the golf course helps me de-stress and clear my head. 

Most fun way to stay active: Lately I’ve been going to Row House in Old Town. It’s a great fitness concept and highly recommend checking out a class. 

Wellness goal: Run a marathon. 

Want to try: Skydiving (again). I went during college and would absolutely go again. It’s on the list…

Proudest wellness achievement: Winning a Club Golf National Championship during my time at Clemson University.

HOME

Favorite room in your home: My bedroom, 100%. Getting a good night's sleep makes the next day so much better. 

Antiques, modern, or a mix? I’d say a mix. I appreciate both antique and modern depending on the room or items in the home. If I had to pick one or the other though, I’d go with modern. 

Last item bought for your home: A new bed frame from Thuma and matching bedside tables. They have made my room much more inviting, and I’m really pleased with the purchases. 

Favorite way to entertain: Casual get together with friends at my place to watch a big game. 

Clutter-free or well-lived in? Clutter free, I really appreciate clean and organized spaces. 

Next planned purchase: Additional furniture for my apartment.

ALEXANDRIA

What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook? I love that so many great small businesses get the chance to showcase their products and services. In turn, local consumers get the chance to shop small, support these local businesses, and keep the dollars flowing in Alexandria. 

Favorite spot in Alexandria: Hands down, the waterfront during the summertime. Evening walks along the Potomac are tough to beat. 

Last purchase in Alexandria: I recently upgraded my ride. I bought a Hyundai Tucson Hybrid from Alexandria Hyundai (locally owned and operated), and I had a fantastic car buying experience. If you’re looking for a new car, they’ll take good care of you. 

Best food spot: Tough to pick just one…upscale – Landini Brothers, favorite local bar – Chadwicks.

Favorite local organization: Alexandria Seaport Foundation – I volunteer here monthly teaching the apprentices about financial literacy. 

Favorite annual Alexandria event: Scottish Christmas Walk Parade – it brings the community together and gets people excited about the holidays. I got the chance to serve as the Scottie Dog Mascot during the 2022 parade and I’ll likely do so again in 2023. I really enjoy being involved in the community and this is a fun way to do so!