Being quite an adventurous and energetic person, I started college without a clear path for my career. Like many college students, I needed a side job to make ends meet. I ended up finding what I didn't think I needed at the time, an amazing business mentor and friend by responding to a “Yard Help Needed” classified ad.  My weekend yard work soon included early breakfast chat sessions and being taught about Steven Covey's 7 Habits, leadership, and business strategy. My unwitting mentor helped me find direction and still, I find myself going back to not only his business advice but his wisdom on life in general. Yard work (and mentorship) ultimately led to an internship kickstarting my career in software development, interfacing with service providers in the collections & financial services industry. A few years later, I was leading the software development team and ultimately the product's direction.  My next adventure allowed me to see the industry from another perspective, fully understanding the importance of specialty services for companies to consume. Here I was able to showcase my skills into published works, speaking engagements, and receiving industry recognition. Most recently, I joined a collections agency. Working on the core platform, a service provider, and now an agency has enabled me to gain a holistic understanding of the collections and financial services industry. After 20 years of business experience, I find that the challenges get more complex, the teams I am leading are thriving, and the strategic solutions implemented improve operational efficiencies ultimately driving revenue growth.  Continuing to blend my love for technology and fostering relationships with people, my career has evolved from writing code, to leading projects and teams, including presenting my experiences in a public forum.  Whether it’s a new network connection, a new innovation, or a new challenge, they will all be met with positivity and excitement.  If you’re interested in learning more about my professional journey, let’s connect!!!