The late Clayton Christensen wrote, “Management is the most noble of professions if it’s practiced well. No other occupation offers as many ways to help others learn and grow, take responsibility and be recognized for achievement, and contribute to the success of a team.” I believe in and am motivated by that statement.I grew up in a blue-collar family where I learned the value of hard work, financial responsibility, and determination. My parents set my sights on gaining a higher-education (something that neither of them had received) and imbued me with the belief that I could achieve anything I put my mind to. I pursued an undergraduate degree in business and served a two-year service mission for my church during my college years. This experience galvanized two important truths: 1. you can overcome seemingly insurmountable odds with faith and determination and 2. happiness in life comes from improving the lives of people around you.After graduating with a degree in finance and working the first few years of my career, I returned to school and received an MBA degree. I’ve since held leadership positions in organizations both large and small, working in the leadership development program at General Electric, leading data analytics at a technology firm, and serving as the CEO of a small business. I determined that being a business owner would give me the greatest opportunity to achieve my goals by serving employees and customers, contributing to the success of a team, and stretching myself to new heights. I partnered with my long-time friend Erick Hollenbaugh, raised a fund from a group of seasoned investors, and founded Momentum Capital Partners to do just that. I’m excited to see where the future takes us.