Most people kick off a conversation with, “So, what do you do?”

I’d rather start with, “Tell me a little about you.”

Here’s a bit about me.

I’m an “OG”—born and raised right here in Dayton, Ohio, where my family still calls me that nickname with a grin. My parents divorced when I was young, so like many kids in that situation, I leaned hard on my extended family and close friends for support and stability growing up. I graduated from Meadowdale High School in 1982, proud to carry the North Dayton roots with me.

That diverse neighborhood taught me one of life’s most important lessons early: judge people by their character, not their skin color or bank account. It shaped me deeply.

From a young age, I had a gift for drawing—anything, with precision and speed. My dad saw it and enrolled me in what was then one of the top design schools in Ohio: The Art Academy of Cincinnati. I graduated with a degree in Visual Communications and landed my first real job almost immediately at Carlson Marketing Group in downtown Dayton, designing for incentive programs. That was the spark that launched a lifelong love for visual storytelling.

At 25, I married the girl next door—literally. Thirty-seven years, four kids (one by marriage, three together), and eleven grandkids later (ages 2 to 19 and counting!), we’re still going strong. Family is everything to me.

In 1989, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior, and that decision changed the trajectory of my life. Since then, I’ve aimed to put faith into action—serving in community outreach, ministry, and supporting causes that reflect the values I hold closest: strong families, biblical truth, and the timeless principles our nation was built upon. (You can read more about my ministry journey on the Ministry page.)

Our Founding Fathers drew inspiration from those same Godly values—beliefs that gave rise to hospitals, schools, charities, and the very idea of ordered liberty under law. I believe those foundations are worth defending and passing on.

Professionally, I’m a third-generation entrepreneur with over 30 years in marketing, sales, and technology. I was an early pioneer in the web and internet space when most people were still figuring out email. I’ve owned and run several small businesses, hired and led dozens of talented professionals, and helped countless clients communicate their message with clarity and impact.

Today, whether I’m designing, consulting, serving in ministry, or just chasing grandkids around, I’m grateful for the journey. Life’s too short not to live it with purpose, faith, and a little creativity.

Thanks for taking the time to read my story. I’d love to hear yours—drop me a note or connect anytime.