Al, a Detroit native, and Jen, a local girl, met in Oakland after each had started their careers. They enjoyed traveling, attending sporting events, hiking and cultural events together. Lake Tahoe became a special getaway for them. Jen’s job took them to Stamford, CT for a while, and there Al proposed. They decided to get married in Lake Tahoe as it remained a special place for them, and still is.
Jen grew up in Walnut Creek and attended Ygnacio Valley High School. She then attended Arizona State University and returned to the Bay Area to kickstart her career in sports media. She worked for NBC Sports Bay Area before being recruited to lead digital strategy for NBC Sports Regional Networks in Stamford. She launched the first-ever live streaming for the Golden State Warriors, Chicago Cubs, Washington Wizards, and more. She’s now the COO of Raidiant, a broadcast production company designed to amplify and champion women in gaming.
Al is a life-long Detroit sports fan, cheering for the Lions and Tigers. He learned golf at age 6 and became
a champion junior golfer. Golf remains a passion, and he still plays competitively in local men’s clubs and in many NCGA events. Al spent his early career in sales and project management.
After spending 6 years in Los Angeles, they returned to the Bay Area in August 2025. Together Al and Jen started WSI Digital Marketing with a clear purpose: to support small, local businesses, and, in turn, the communities they serve. Al says, “I chose a career in digital marketing and strategy because I’ve always been drawn to solving business problems at the intersection of technology, data, and human behavior. When done correctly, digital marketing isn’t
about tactics or trends—it’s about helping businesses grow predictably, make smarter decisions, and stay competitive in an increasingly complex digital landscape.”
The Vargas have a three-year-old daughter Yolande. She loves to draw, play at the local parks and help her mom in the kitchen. Al and Jen’s biggest passion is raising their daughter well – making sure she has the opportunity to pursue her
own passions in life. Jen adds, “As a family, we’re focused on creating a supportive, loving environment where she can explore, learn, and grow into whoever she wants to be.” This way of supporting their daughter is something passed down by their own families, especially their grandparents, who continue to shape how they live and parent. Yolande is name after her maternal great grandmother, “honoring that legacy of family connection, care, and support that we hope to carry forward for generations.” Her middle name, Freddie, is to honor her paternal grandfather, Fred Franklin, a fixture in Bay Area theater, who was a proud member of Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble and winner of multiple Shellie Awards. You might have seen him on stage at the Lesher Center for the Arts.
Jen and Al believe in setting the example for Yolande by leading with integrity, staying curious and showing up for each other. “We chose Northgate for the great public schools. We also enjoy the serenity of the neighborhood, while still being accessible to shopping, restaurants, and other amenities. Our neighbors are genuinely friendly and welcoming, which creates a strong sense of community.”
As new residents, just 8 months, they look forward to getting to know more people and being good neighbors for years to come. Al adds, “If you have a child around 3 years old who enjoys swimming, feel free to stop by – our pool is always a hit.” You can reach out to Al at 925-386-1515 or through his website: https://wsiworld.com/al-varga.
By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991; Photos provided by the Varga family