I’ve often been referred to as a man of mystery, a moniker that might hint at the intrigue surrounding my multifaceted, yet private life. Some see me as an enigma, while others have likened me to a Swiss Army knife—versatile, reliable, and ready to assist with just about anything. I wear many hats: Information Technology Professional, Author, Entrepreneur, Investor, Strategist, Techie, Visionary, Adventurer, Pilot, and Car & Airplane Enthusiast.
My newsletter, The Propeller, reflects my eclectic interests. I’m a lifelong learner, constantly exploring new and diverse fields. Whether it’s experimenting with technology, having a long list of tech certifications, or even total random things like a lock-picking class (Yes, I did take one!), concealed carry training (I do enjoy shooting guns), getting fork-lift certified, or even earning my ham radio license, I’m driven by curiosity and trying the random. I’ve pursued a variety of experiences, from motorcycle riding courses to obtaining my pilot’s license (complete with a seaplane rating and tailwheel endorsement). I even earned a totally random basket weaving merit badge as part of the 50+ merit badges I accumulated on my way to becoming an Eagle Scout as a teen. Even as I get older, I still consistently seek out to learn new things. I relish sharing these experiences, especially when they can enrich others’ lives or simply offer a fresh perspective.
Professionally, I’ve been described as a self-starting innovator with a knack for technology and a passion for using technology to solve problems. My experience spans retail, manufacturing, financial services, transportation, government, and logistics, where I’ve integrated technology to drive business success. My consulting work includes projects for major entities like Wendy’s—where I helped design the tech for their “Restaurant of the Future”—and the State of Ohio, leading initiatives that impacted over 100 state agencies. Currently, I’m with Microsoft, working with manufacturing companies on cutting-edge cloud and AI technologies. I get to do cool new things every day.
My entrepreneurial journey began around the age of seven, selling rocks door-to-door (Selling them for 10 cents apiece or two for a quarter – and yes, I did manage to sell two for a quarter!). My aunt always said I could sell a trash can lid to someone without a trash can. As a kid, I would go to work with my dad, who is a successful attorney in the Akron, Ohio area, where I learned a great work ethic and quite a bit about business and law. I didn’t want to work traditional jobs a teenager might do so working with my father was a great experience and also led to me creating my own job by helping professionals like lawyers, doctors, and accountants with their computer problems – since working with computers came so natural to me. My parents would have to drive me to these professional offices to work on their computer systems since I was too young to drive myself. As a teen I was charging 5 times an hour what my friends were making working hourly jobs at the mall or in fast-food. This early start paved the way for my future ventures, including opening one of the first cybercafes in the USA, the Hard Drive Cafe. After selling it almost five years later, I transitioned back into consulting and dabbled in politics (with a 100%-win rate on the campaigns I managed!) before moving to Columbus to take on various tech related ventures and roles – and even working with bands starting a record label.
Over the years, I’ve worked with a wide range of companies, from startups to Fortune 100 giants, and have been involved in numerous tech ventures. Besides my current work with – and main focus – Microsoft, in my spare time I currently manage 8 side-hustle online businesses, and I am always on the lookout for new ideas to launch or assist with. If you have a concept you’d like to start, I’m all ears and willing to co-found with you!
As many of The Propeller readers know, writing is another passion of mine. My book, Winning Habitudes: 99 Habits and Attitudes of Leaders, Visionaries, and Achievers, is available in multiple formats on Amazon, Audible, Barnes & Noble, and more. I’m also working on additional titles in business, motivation, and personal finance, slated for release in late 2024 and 2025. My experience in publishing led me to start a digital publishing company, helping other authors bring their works to life. To date, I have helped authors publish almost 30 books.
Investing and finance are also close to my heart. I founded ColumbusFI, a group dedicated to helping several hundred people in Columbus, Ohio, achieve financial independence and early retirement. My interest in this area grew out of frustration with traditional financial advisors, who often complicate investing to justify their fees. I believe investing doesn’t have to be complex, and I’m passionate about empowering people to manage their finances effectively. It’s worked for me, and I love sharing the simple way for normal people to growth their wealth by letting their money work for them, rather than them working for the money. I have helped several of my friends learn about their investments, achieve financial independence, and they are well on a path to early retirement.
In what little spare time I have, I enjoy traveling (I want to visit all 7 Continents – and yes, that includes Antarctica), aviation, technology, and the outdoors. Whether it’s backpacking in the Grand Tetons, piloting a B-17 Bomber or L-39 fighter jet (I have flown both!), or exploring the islands of the Bahamas by private plane, I’m always seeking new adventures. I also have a deep commitment to volunteering and also serve on the boards of two non-profit organizations.
Through all of these endeavors, I remain dedicated to exploring the unknown (Elon – sign me up for a trip to Mars!), learning continuously, and sharing that knowledge with others. Whether through The Propeller or my various projects, I strive to inspire and support those around me, helping them navigate the complexities of life, investing, and technology with a sense of curiosity and adventure.
As Paul Harvey would say, “And that is the rest of the story…”
