His upbringing also included some rather unique pets: a South American opossum and a six-foot iguana; he even had a koi pond in his bedroom.
Today, it’s just his beloved dog, Marla, 2, rescued from Chicago Animal Care & Control.
Also in northwest Indiana a few years ago, Melnyczenko went on an ice-skating first date with Jordan Conover, followed by dinner at Hooter’s.
“Talk about tons of fun in northwest Indiana,” Melnyczenko said, laughing.
The two have been faithful partners for the past three years.
Melnyczenko is a fashion-conscious, fitness-minded, driven Chicagoan who has bartended at Minibar and previously worked for Kraft Foods Chicago Bakery. He enjoys the local late-night excitement of area bars, though prefers low-key, off-the-beaten-path pubs.
“When I have something in my mind do to, I do it; I get it done,” said Melnyczenko, who graduated from college with a major and two minors in four years.
“I never, just settle.”
Melnyczenko, GoPride’s Model of the Month for January, has a gregarious, out-going, very approachable personality and often is the one who knows everyone in a room filled with people—and they know him, too.
He sports a silver, diamond-studded ring—a college graduation gift from his parents—on his right hand. However, when traveling for work, he switches the ring to his left hand to appear like a wedding ring.
“I just feel it deters” potential, unwanted advances, said Melnyczenko, proud to say that his relationship with Conover is not an open one. “We love each other very much and that is the backbone to my success.”
THE STATS
Age
24
Neighborhood
Edgewater
Hobbies
Weight lifting, participating in endurance-sports events, and traveling
Job title
Midwest Account Manager,
Strategic Diagnostics
Relationship status
Partnered with Jordon Conover, 30
College
Loyola University (Chicago)
Favorite TV show
The Walking Dead
Favorite restaurant
That Little Mexican Café
On the road again
Travels for work throughout the
Midwest four days each week