ABOUT ME

As dedicated as I am to my businesses, I find myself in an even larger sea of dedication to my incredible family. Work-life balance hasn’t always been easy for me (and still truly isn’t), but my partner John, and our two beautiful daughters are constant reminders of the importance of achieving it. We’re an extremely active family between participating in travel sports, school activities and hosting get-togethers, regularly. Being a good partner and an involved father is always #1 on my to-do list.

Named Crain’s Notable LGBTQ+ Exec for the third year in a row certainly comes with intense amounts of pressure and a high set of standards. Instantly different from society’s definition of “normal” I was consistently seeking ways to stand out and make a difference in my community. Through confidence, perseverance and goal-setting, I exceeded personal and business milestones year after year, and broke-down barriers along the way. I stand for diversity in the workplace, and still actively fight for equality and inclusion on the frontlines. I am an advocate for LGBT entrepreneurs who strive to make an imprint in their industries, and I’m passionate about being exactly who you are, no matter the situation!

Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, or HOCM for short. Those three words meant I would forever be at risk of sudden cardiac arrest, potentially heart arrythmias including paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (also known as A-fib — an irregular, rapid heart condition that causes poor blood flow and puts me at risk for strokes). So while I always led a healthy lifestyle, I immediately started living an even healthier one to ensure I would be alive for the three important categories I mentioned above. 

Multiple surgeries and procedures, including a pacemaker/defibrillator, and now working Legislative Committee of the HCM Organization, I work to educate others in a similar health position as me, that there is hope, and you can actually LIVE your life with this condition the best way possible for you.