Marshak

Marshak said the pair planned to go to a shooting range the next day, but Looney insisted on a firearm safety lesson the day prior.

Firearm Safety Class given by a complete moron 2009

Police say he did this with two other weapons and varied safety mechanisms before the last one went off, said Lt. Dave Marshak.

Firearm Safety Class given by a complete moron 2009

"You have to be able to handle the pressure of getting people in and out of the store and still making the gifts look nice," said Mr. Marshak, trying to see past his defeat.

Tips From a Wrap Star Ralph Gardner Jr. 2011

That's why I headed downtown Tuesday afternoon to Boomerang, a children's store and neighborhood landmark—they cater to a TriBeCa wooden-toy clientele, and one undoubtedly possessed of a refined eye—to meet with Jacob Marshak .

Tips From a Wrap Star Ralph Gardner Jr. 2011

Indeed, Mr. Marshak contends that his gift-wrapping grace under pressure has translated well to his current job renting and selling real estate.

Tips From a Wrap Star Ralph Gardner Jr. 2011

Mr. Marshak lost to Rosie Sato , a champion amateur wrapper from Gardena, Calif., in the contest's final challenge—a backyard play set.

Tips From a Wrap Star Ralph Gardner Jr. 2011

"That's exactly enough to just cover it," Mr. Marshak said.

Tips From a Wrap Star Ralph Gardner Jr. 2011

Mr. Marshak's girlfriend, Alexandra Turnier —apparently a world-class wrapper herself—included that anecdote when, unbeknownst to Mr. Marshak, she submitted his name for the Most Gifted Wrapper contest.

Tips From a Wrap Star Ralph Gardner Jr. 2011

Mr. Marshak has even been known to take matters into his own hands when holiday shopping at other stores.

Tips From a Wrap Star Ralph Gardner Jr. 2011

Mr. Marshak shared a foolproof method for guaranteeing that never happens; the answer isn't to overcompensate ridiculously by cutting off twice as much paper as you need.

Tips From a Wrap Star Ralph Gardner Jr. 2011