Howard Perlmuter, 41
Entrepreneur
Hidden talent: I'm a songwriter. I usually use the piano as the basis. I write songs to tell stories and share my emotions.
Biggest fear: Being stuck with an elevator with the lights out.
My bad habit: Buying things I don't need. Things that are the unnecessary but fun, like having flat-screen TVs in every room of my home for that random movie in a room I've never been in, disco lights in the living room for that random dance party, season tickets for the Browns for that random Super Bowl or my favorite shirt in every color.
My guilty pleasure: Mitchell's Ice Cream. My favorite flavor is Banana Cream Pie.
You'd never guess: I [released] a rap record out my senior year of high school. My record was on the front page of The Plain Dealer. Once upon a time I was a white rapper — way before Eminem and everybody else.
I can't live without: the Cleveland Browns.
My hero: My grandfather. He's 100-years-old, and he's on Match.com. He'll 101 this month. He was born without electricity and now has an iPhone and an iPad.
On my bucket list: I would like to start an animal rescue foundation.
Biggest accomplishment: Becoming a lifetime voting member of the Grammy Awards.
When I'm not working: I enjoy hanging out with friends and my dog. I also enjoy art, theater and sports.
Find me here on a Saturday night: A local restaurant or pub. Somewhere like Nighttown, Red, the Steakhouse, Moxie or the Tremont area.
If I had one wish: My wish would be for pet dogs and cats to live as long as birds. I wish my dog would live with me for the rest of my life.
Once-in-a-lifetime moment: Being invited to the White House for Barack Obama's inauguration.
If I won the Mega Millions, I'd spend it on: I would put enough aside to retire and live a comfortable life. Then I would give money to my family and donate quite a bit to charity.
My No. 1 dating rule: You have to be available emotionally and physically. You have to be in the mindset to want to go on a date.
Deal-breakers: If someone isn't an animal person, it'll never work.
The perfect date: A nice meal, then going to the theater for a play.
I'm a sucker for: A sense of humor.
Most romantic thing I've ever done: I once surprised my girlfriend by renting a U-Haul truck and parking it on my girlfriend's street. When she opened up the truck, there was a private, candlelit dinner in the back with a three-piece band.
What I look for in a significant other: Someone with a great personality, who is family-oriented and honest.
I always, sometimes or never make the first move: I always make the first move.
Would you like to be famous?: I would like to be famous for my business acumen.
Do you rehearse what you're going to say before making a phone call?: No, I'm really good on the fly.
Last time I sang to myself: I sang to myself this morning. Last time I sang to someone else: I sang to Chubby Checker, one of the bands I manage.
If I could gain one quality or ability, it would be: I would want the ability to predict the future.
I wish I had someone with whom I could share... : all the good times I have.
Celebrity dream date: Well I've dated some celebrities, so I don't really have one.
Celebrity look-alike: Some people say I look like Kiefer Sutherland.
Dogs or cats: Dogs.
Beach or mountains: Beach.
Signature dish: Microwave pizza.
How I stay healthy: I watch what I eat, exercise and make friends with my doctors.
My favorite ... book: As a kid, I liked Goodnight Moon. That's my favorite book. ... TV show: Entourage. I like Ari because he's such a reality. Being in the entertainment business, he portrays the real deal so well. He's so ruthless, and that's just what the business is all about. It's so funny. ... movie: Serendipity. At first, I didn't realize what it was. I love how things in life just come together unexpectedly. Certain things are just meant to be. ... music: I like all music, but my favorites are Billy Joel, Prince and Journey. ... restaurant: Johnny's Bar on Fulton Avenue. ... app: I'm not really an app guy. I really don't have many.
What I'm reading: I'm usually reading CNN.com or industry trade magazines, like Rolling Stone or Billboard.
IPod embarrassment: Air Supply.
I'm so over: I'm fed up with people being glued to technology and not enough everyday communication skills. There's not enough conversation and too much texting.
Dream job: I get to work with animals, and I get to work with music. I have my dream job.
Dream vacation: I'd like to go to Australia for a week, just to experience the whole country.
My take on Cleveland's single scene: I think its kind of like Big Lots. It's like the merchandise has been out there, and now it's back on the shelf again. It's such a small world here. If you do find something, chances are you knew the previous owner.
Are you on tinder?: No.
Best thing about being single: The best thing about being single is that I can be 100 percent me all the time.
Worst thing about being single: The worst thing is that Cleveland is really a couple's town. So many activities are geared toward couples or companions, so you miss out on a lot of things with your friends who are married. You often find yourself being a third wheel.
Best date I've been on: The best date I've ever been on was when I took a girl to the Academy Awards. It was so much fun.
Worst date I've been on: The worst was when I went on a date with a girl and felt like I had to text her just to speak to her. She wouldn't get off her phone.
Do you hope to settle down in the next five years?: Yes.
