My Personal Story
Growing Up
Growing up as the son of an engineer and a teacher, I was raised in Hoover, the largest suburb in the Birmingham, AL metro area. My childhood revolved around being outside and playing every sport I could. By 10th grade, I focused on track and went on to win multiple state championships—both with my cross country and indoor track teams, and individually in the mile and two-mile events. I still hold two school records to this day. After earning academic and athletic scholarships to Auburn University, a shattered ankle during a trail run ended my running career. Having finished college during the depths of the Great Recession, I sought a specialized career path, briefly pursuing nursing before realizing it wasn’t for me. That experience, however, helped me land my first sales role in the healthcare industry (durable medical equipment), setting the stage for my professional journey.
Who I Am Today
I have to start with my partner and love of my life, Sarah, a physical therapist, and our chocolate lab, Riley. We’re connected by our adventurous spirits, love of music, food, healthy living, and a shared empathy for others. In our first year together, we explored 14 states, attended 17 concerts, hiked in four national parks, snowboarded five mountains, and enjoyed countless new restaurants, breweries, and experiences like whale watching.
I’m an avid cyclist, with a growing collection of bikes I can barely justify owning, and have served as a “Ride Lead” for group rides on many occasions. I’m determined to get back into running despite injury setbacks—luckily, I know a great PT! When I’m not outdoors, I enjoy reading, typically professional development or non-fiction books like Stealing Fire by Kotler and Wheal or Atomic Habits by James Clear, though I’m currently diving into Bradley Wright’s Alexander King series.
I’m naturally curious and constantly strive to learn new skills, whether it’s earning certifications or staying up-to-date on professional tools and trends. Though I don’t have kids, my nephews—twins Luke and Brody, and their little brother Crew—bring me endless joy. Personality-wise, I value humor and empathy; both traits help me balance the chaos of my work and connect with others. As an "extroverted introvert," I enjoy building long-term, genuine relationships, which made my mid-career shift into operations and consulting a perfect fit.