As an entrepreneur at heart, I have always known that I would one day start my own business. My journey began when I was just 10 years old, creating a detailed plan for a mini-golf and driving range restaurant that I wished my family owned. My passion for entrepreneurship continued to grow and at the age of 23, I founded my first company, trademarking a t-shirt design that was sold in stores across Canada.In 1999, at the age of 25 I opened Hot Shots Games, a retail store in Mississauga. Over the years, with my wife Kelly, we grew Hot Shots into one of the premier game room stores in Canada, with one of the industry's largest e-commerce website.In addition to my own ventures, I have also had the opportunity to serve as a consultant and executive in various companies. I spent five years as the Director of Marketing for Olhausen Billiards, the world's largest pool table manufacturer, and two years as the VP of Marketing for Jack Nathan Health. I also served as President of Raven Financial, where I rebranded the mortgage administration company.In 2016, Kelly and I purchased DiRōNA (Distinguished Restaurants of North America), a prestigious organization that has been recognizing the finest dining establishments in North America for over 30 years. Through DiRōNA, we visit and award new restaurants, provide annual scholarships to American and Canadian students, as well as host wine and culinary events. Be sure to visit our website dirona.com or download our mobile app on Apple and Android.From 2016 to 2018, I served as a Director of Giyani Metals (TSX.V: EMM), recognizing a void in the investor relations space, it inspired Kelly and I to launch our own marketing agency, Stock Marketing Inc. in 2019 to provide website design, social media management, and executive branding to public companies around the World.In 2024, I launched 'Every DiRōNA Has A Story', a video interview show on YouTube, Vimeo, and Roku that offers a behind-the-scenes look into the journey and inspiration behind DiRōNA-awarded restaurants. Each episode captures the passion, dedication, and unique qualities that make these dining establishments truly exceptional. From interviews with chefs and restaurateurs to glimpses into the kitchens and dining rooms, the series showcases the heart and soul that goes into creating an unforgettable dining experience. It’s a celebration of the stories that have shaped these restaurants into renowned destinations, highlighting the culinary traditions, innovations, and hospitality that set them apart.