Raised on the Midwestern plains of central Illinois, in East Peoria, among a strong Christian family, I graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration & Marketing (including a study abroad semester at the Wirtschaft Universitat in Vienna, Austria). I then spent about ten years in a prodigal son stage, trying to live life my way while giving a cursory nod to God. During that time, I worked in the restaurant industry, taught English as Second Language both in North Africa and the Washington DC area, and did a variety of sales work.Upon re-committing to the Lord, I got involved in my local church as a volunteer spiritual development coach, did short-term missions in Kazakhstan and Israel/Palestine, and began developing the Rekindling concept. After making Rekindling a 501c3 non-profit in 2007, I pursued and completed, with High Distinction, a Master of Arts in Theological Studies and a Master of Religion in Pastoral Counseling at Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary in 2013. I completed my first book, Know Thyself that same year and am now facilitating Rekindling small groups, workshops, and 1on1s in Lynchburg, VA. My personal interests include anything Tolkien and Star Wars, renaissance festivals (in costume), Walking Dead, WWE wrestling, football, and travel (I have been to over 30 states and 30 countries on four continents).