William B. Mendoza

Connect What inspired your most recent tattoo?

My most recent tattoo is a shark tooth on the inner part of my right forearm. The tooth belongs to my favorite shark - The Thresher Shark. The inspiration thrives from my passion to protect these animals. I’ve always been amazed by them and the thresher shark is a rare one indeed. Considered one of the rarest sharks to see in the world.. its beauty and mystery remind us why those who are different must be protected at whatever cost.

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

Interesting question.. it would say.. “You’ve come a long way.. and this is only the beginning. You’ve struggled with happiness.. but it tested your metal as a man. You feared being lonely but found yourself in it. You loved at a depth only found in movies but experienced heartbreak and betrayal yet hope never faded. You kept to who you always were and are becoming who you are meant to be. This is only the beginning”. Something along those lines I believe.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would bring my mom to Miami as she’s always wanted to go. She would get to enjoy herself as I’m sure she hasn’t truly smiled in a long time. As for my father.. we only connected through baseball.. so I would take him to a Yankee Game again like we use to when I was a little kid. The joy in that is something words can’t describe. As for the rest.. finally start my business and work on changing lives. Money is worthless when you can’t share it with who you love.