I was educated and trained as an architect, landscape architect and urban planner. In addition, I have worked as bartender, commercial photographer, long haul truck driver, limo driver & restaurant manager. Bartending paid my way through undergrad & graduate school. My photography business generated more than $1M in 10 years. Truck driving taught me the benefits of stressful work can yield unexpected results if you journal along the way. Most of the other jobs have been in the service industry. These jobs gave me a keen sense of empathy and extraordinary emotional intelligence (EQ). Now I find myself starting a new endeavor to grow a brand recognized globally but not so much in the United States. I will get the chance to travel a bit and see manufacturing in the Czech Republic and Brazil. I met my wife in 2013. Not only did I grow my photography business, but also helped motivate my wife to start her own spa. I continue to help her with long term planning, facilities upkeep and regular financial records and reconciliation. She has 2 locations with 15 employees. I was raised in a lower middle come home in rural Tennessee. I received a graduate degree from an Ivy League School (UPenn). At the time, this was an ego stroke for sure. But knowing all the obstacles I had to overcome are where the real stories of wonder and awe reside. And what each of those struggles produced is where the knowledge, experience, wisdom and confidence to believe I can accomplish anything set before me.