Welcome, fellow Wealth Builders! Today, I want to share a story that's perhaps less conventional than your typical entrepreneur's tale. It's a narrative woven from childhood adventures in a foreign land, the allure of well-crafted spaces, and the unexpected twists that led me to where I am today: crafting communities and building a life of purpose. 

My formative years unfolded on a military base in Bamberg, Germany. Unlike most kids, my playground wasn't just a swing set; it encompassed cobblestone streets, ancient architecture, and the thrill of constant exploring with my brother, from combing creeks and catching critters to venturing into creepy old houses. This unique and adventurous upbringing fostered a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and a yearning to connect people through vibrant spaces.

Tennis became my earliest passion, demanding discipline and perseverance – lessons that resonated deeply. My days were filled with the rhythmic thwack of the racket and the camaraderie of tournaments. It was on these courts that my competitive spirit ignited, a fire that would later translate into the drive to excel in urban planning. This dedication was further fueled by my father's mantra: "If it's to be, it's up to me." These words forged into the fabric of my being, and became a constant reminder of the importance of resilience and self-reliance.

A Blossoming Passion for Building Cities

Fast forward to my teenage years, and our family relocated to Virginia. It was here, amidst sprawling suburbs devoid of communal spaces, that a new dream took root: to design cities that fostered connection and a sense of belonging. Between my political science degree from Radford University and a stellar GPA, environmental law seemed like the obvious path, but a chance encounter with a friend's wise mother unveiled the world of urban planning – a perfect confluence of my creative spark and desire for social impact.

Shortly thereafter, I met the esteemed Dr. John Accordino at Virginia Commonwealth University's Master Of Urban Planning program (MURP), who became another guiding light. His mentorship helped me see the transformative power of urban design – and crystallized a vision of how I could shape landscapes, enrich lives, and cultivate thriving communities.

From Theory to Practice: Building a Career Brick by Brick

My internship with the City of Richmond was a baptism by fire. Here, I transitioned from theory textbooks to bustling streets, transforming public areas into vibrant hubs for social interaction. This experience solidified my passion for using design to create positive change.

The entrepreneurial itch, however, began whispering during my college days. The idea of "house hacking" – buying a property and renting out rooms – sparked a long-term ambition for real estate investing. This dream received a resounding thumbs-up from the woman who would become my wife. Together, we embarked on a journey of acquiring properties, and today, our portfolio of single-family rentals continues to flourish.

The Unexpected Detour: A Catalyst for Change

Life seldom follows a perfectly scripted path. In pursuit of a higher salary and familiar faces, I strayed from my passion and landed in the City's Housing Department. This detour, however, proved to be a pivotal moment. The stress of a demanding new role collided with the joy of welcoming a newborn daughter. The pressure to cut short my paternity leave became the tipping point, a stark reminder that financial gain alone was a dead end road. It was time to venture out on my own.

Merging Passions, A Fulfilling Path Forward

Leaving a long-standing career was a difficult decision, but it opened a door to a new and exciting chapter. My love for city planning remained undimmed, and with the invaluable guidance of my mentor, Dustin Olverson, I found a way to merge it with my real estate expertise.

Today, I leverage my knowledge of the urban planning landscape to empower fellow investors. This allows me to combine my entrepreneurial spirit with the joy of creating beautiful spaces for people to call home. It's a path that grants me the freedom to travel, explore, and build a fulfilling life for my family.

This journey has been a tapestry woven with unexpected threads, but it has led me to a place of true fulfillment. It is my mission to help others find their calling and mentor them along the path to wealth, health and joy. Here's to embracing our passions, forging our own paths, and crafting a life that allows us to contribute to the world and connect with those around us!