I grew up in rural, central Illinois and worked each summer detassling corn, helping with home building projects, and refereeing soccer.  From the age of 4 to 18, when not working, I was training with the local wrestling team which ingrained a culture of dedication and grit that has served me well throughout my life.  Wanting to learn the language of business but stay near my family I moved an hour away to Charleston, Illinois to complete my undergraduate degree in finance.  Following graduation, I began my career in sales and account management, ultimately leading a team responsible for over $4 million in annual revenue.  During this time, I completed my MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, where I worked full time during the day and went to class at night.  

Looking to build out my strategy skillset, I took a role as Strategy and Operations Manager at the marketing technology company ActiveCampaign in Chicago.  In this role, I worked with all departments in the company to solve the most pressing needs facing the business.

Following this, I knew that it was time to acquire and operate a business of my own. I raised $5M in capital from experienced investors and acquired HEROIC Public Speaking, the premier public speaking academy in the United States. After running HEROIC as the CEO and carrying responsibility for the 50+ team members, my wife and I moved back to Chicago to be closer to our families as we raise our own. I transitioned leadership of HEROIC to an internal team member to act as interim president while I stepped back into an advisory role.

I am excited to spend the next 20 years of my life building great midwestern businesses.

Outside of work, my wife Megan and I enjoy hiking and skiing. I also am passionate about giving back and have held board roles at three non-profit organizations that help at risk youth.