Stefan is now known to many in the Bay Area as DJ Heartbreak, a man with sharp business sense, a tireless work ethic, and a deep-rooted commitment to the community. But Stefan’s path to being a professional DJ and entrepreneur wasn’t walked alone. It started back in Castro Valley with a Match that changed his life trajectory.
Growing up in a single-parent household, Stefan credits his mother for her incredible support. However, she recognized that as Stefan grew into a young man, he needed a consistent male figure he could relate to. That’s where Big Brother Dan came in.
Stefan admits he was hesitant at first. Coming from different racial backgrounds and facing the typical teenage angst, Stefan was guarded. “I was very protective of myself,” he recalls. But Dan didn’t push, he instead showed up. Whether it was going and getting ice cream or tackling homework together, Dan showed to be a man of his word. That consistency broke through the resistance.
Dan worked in television production for the Oakland A’s, Oakland Raiders, and San Francisco 49ers’ broadcast teams. For young Stefan, getting a behind-the-scenes look at the TV trucks and high-stakes world of sports media was transformative. It was a masterclass in work ethic, beyond it being super cool for Stefan!
The duo bonded over more than just sports. They recorded cassette tapes together, fueling Stefan’s love for music. When Stefan ran for class president (a title he held consistently from 5th through 11th grade!), Dan was his unofficial campaign manager, helping him with strategy and speeches.
“I attribute a lot of my temperament and business sense to the relationship I had with Dan,” Stefan says. “From negotiating contracts as a professional DJ to how I carry myself today, his imprint is there.”
When asked about his favorite memory, Stefan doesn’t point to a grand event. He points to a 2011 Nissan Versa in a quiet parking lot.
“My mom didn’t teach me how to drive,” Stefan laughs. “Dan was the one who took me out there and taught me.” Today, whenever Stefan drives past that parking lot in Walnut Creek, the city Dan once called home and where Stefan now resides, he’s reminded of the patience and safety Dan provided.
Though their Match officially ended years ago, the relationship became lifelong. Stefan even reached out to Dan years later to share the news of him securing an internship with the Recording Academy (the Grammys), acknowledging that Dan’s early influence was the catalyst for his career success.
As we continue The Big Draft 2026, Stefan’s message to men in the Bay Area is clear – the mission is remarkable, but the need is urgent.
“This program is about finding avenues for young men to mess up, learn, vent, and ask the hard questions,” Stefan explains. “I found my person, and we hit the moon.”
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