Nothing makes me happier than spending time and sharing stories and jokes with family and friends.
I was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia and spent the first 35 years of my life there. I started a mobile auto repair and classic car restoration business after college at the age of 24. I then went into real estate, ultimately owning my own brokerage as well as a class-A contracting company. The financial crisis, aka “The Great Recession of 2008”, yanked the metaphorical rug from under both businesses, costing me everything short of my will to live and the perseverance to succeed again.
Eventually, the lure of palm trees, sunshine, warm weather and salt water inspired me to move to Ormond Beach, Florida in 2009. This would prove to be the best move of my life. I have been an avid sailor, traveler and adventurer for most of my adult life. I crewed on race teams and leisure trips for over 17 years before purchasing my first sailboat in 2020.
While 2020 was the worst year of many people’s life, I hit #1 on Amazon with the release of the second edition of my “Invest in Yourself” book, finally achieving my lifelong goal of becoming a bestselling author! I also married the love of my life in October of 2020 and spent the entire month of November sailing in the Keys for our honeymoon.
The genesis of my love of writing occurred when I entered a Young Author’s contest in the third grade. Since then, I have become a self-proclaimed “Authorpreneur” and I’ve personally written and published seven books. I also have an affinity for writing and collaborating with other authors. I believe that the mere thought of writing a book begins a cathartic process between the mind and soul from deep within the author; therefore, I thoroughly enjoy coaching and mentoring aspiring authors.
I enjoy working remotely in a low-overhead business where I get to pick and choose the most ideal clients that I want to work with. I also support and help my wife, Thays, and her art business.
I believe we’ve all got a story to tell. Our lives are stories – and each day is a new chapter. My philosophy is that, aside from your attitude and your writing, there are not many things in life that you can completely control. I also believe that the pen truly is mightier than the sword and “writing wrongs” is a cathartic way to deal with adversity and challenges in your life. As an avid traveler, I’ve done some of my best writing while traveling.
Some of my greatest achievements have been helping others accomplish theirs. In fact, I cherish the books that my author coaching clients have written as much as I do my own. It’s an honor and privilege for me to help people live better lives through the creative and innovative communication facilitated by writing, coaching and speaking.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I married my best friend and soulmate, Thays, a local artist who owns an art gallery on Granada in Ormond Beach. I have a 25-year-old daughter named Autumn who made me a “grandude” at age 42 by blessing me with a granddaughter named Violet.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I’m an authorpreneur and best-selling author who has written and published 7 books, plus helped dozens of clients do the same. I love helping others share their stories with the world. I also love working from anywhere and everywhere! Good writing is the crystallization of pure thought. Publishing a book allows us to share our “crystals” with the world.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
The Grind/Kona TIki Bar, Ormond Garage, 31 Supper Club, Mama Foo Foo, Zen Bistro
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
12 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
My wife!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
My wife and I plan to circumnavigate the globe in our sailboat, but first we are sailing to the Bahamas this winter.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Schitt’s Creek, Breaking Bad, Lost, Avatar, The Beach, Looney Tunes
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Live life to its fullest every day.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I’ve already checked off the majority of my bucket list, so I’m in the process of writing a new one.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Stick Figure
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Hawaiian Tropic
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Elon Musk – I love his innovative, entrepreneurial spirit.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Quality of life/cost of living – parks, beaches, lack of traffic, small town feel
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Ormond Beach – or my sailboat
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I won two county-wide spelling bees in grade school.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Alaska or Tahiti/Moorea
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
October – 10/10/2020 – my wedding date
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My life.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife, my daughter, my granddaughter, (and Tony Robbins)
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Salt air, fresh basil, coconut
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Love, comfort, security
