The path that led me here started in a restaurant with a laptop, a curious customer, and a conversation that would unexpectedly shape the next thirty years of my life.

It’s funny—after nearly 30 years of stable employment, I suddenly found myself unemployed twice within a couple of years. I remember talking with a friend about it, half laughing but also genuinely concerned. Corporate America seemed to be failing me, and I had no idea what I could do next. That’s when my friend simply said, “Get your real estate license.”

At first, the idea intimidated me—especially becoming a 52-year-old rookie—but within my first ten deals, I realized I was doing a better job than many agents. My life experience had been preparing me for this all along.

My path started decades earlier, as a 20-year-old college dropout with little sense of direction. My brother-in-law called and invited me to work at his construction company. It was there that I met Ianna, who would later become my wife of 35 years.

I was also working at TGI Fridays to supplement my income. One of the managers saw leadership potential in me and encouraged me to join their management program. By 21, I was already a manager of a world class restaurant chain.

It was 1998 when I was taking advantage of the calm after the dinner rush with my laptop, trying to automate a few processes the restaurant was experimenting with. A customer noticed what I was doing and asked about it. It turned out he owned a software development company. “Why don’t you come work for me as a software developer?”

That conversation launched a long career in the technology industry. I started as a software developer and eventually moved into IT leadership and business roles. Over the years, I joined a large corporation and spent decades building my career. I loved understanding customers—their businesses, their challenges, and how we could support them. My mindset was simple: What do they need, and how can I help?

During those years, Ianna and I welcomed our three children: Andrea, Samantha, and Austin. Being 28 years old and responsible for a family of five was intense. My career allowed Ianna to stay home with the kids, which was a blessing, but I also carried a lot of pressure.

That pressure came to a tipping point when I was promoted to Global Vice President at the company where I had spent most of my career. It was an exciting opportunity, but it also came with enormous responsibility. I led a team of 165 people across multiple continents. When I went to bed, my team in Australia was just starting their day. When I woke up, I already had updates from Asia and Europe. If I let it, the job could easily consume 24 hours a day.

I didn’t realize how much stress I was carrying until COVID hit. Our business dropped sharply, and one day my boss called in to say, “In three months, you’ll be laid off.” After decades of loyalty and stability, it was devastating and unexpected news.

However, the layoff gave me and Ianna time for a trip to Puerto Vallarta. For the first time in years, I felt truly relaxed. My body had become so used to stress that rest felt honestly unfamiliar. “Honey,” I told her, “I don’t want another job right now. I need six months to recharge.”

Those six months turned into a year of rest, adventure, reflection, and trying a different corporate job that quickly ended. That simple suggestion from my friend came back to me: get your real estate license.

Since entering real estate, I’ve felt a renewed energy and sense of balance. I remain deeply involved in my church and invested in my family, even now that our kids are adults. When I’m not working, you’ll likely find me spending time with family, fly fishing, woodworking, cooking, or enjoying a good bottle of wine.

Life looks different today—but in many ways, it feels more aligned than ever before.

My work in real estate is rooted in service. I approach this profession with a clear purpose: to understand my clients and guide them through one of the most important decisions of their lives. I constantly think about my clients’ context—their daily lives, priorities, and long-term goals—and place myself in their shoes.

My natural love language is acts of service, and that shows up in the way I work. Serving my clients genuinely feeds my soul. I do this work full-time, and I approach it with seriousness, commitment, and care. Every client receives a personalized experience because no two situations are the same.

Sometimes service looks simple but meaningful. I’ve held a baby or played with kids during a showing so parents can walk through a home without stress. Small gestures matter.

I focus closely on what clients need—not just what they want in the moment. Clients often mention my empathy, but also my analytical approach. I understand the numbers and the bottom line of the transaction. I keep a neutral, big-picture perspective to guide them well.