In 2007, I found myself at a crossroads in life, staring at the hard truths of personal loss while juggling the uncertainties of a career I had yet to truly find purpose in. I had been working in the Bar/Restaurant business for years at that point, but something was missing—something that went beyond the paycheck or the daily grind. Then, a devastating loss hit me hard: my father passed away unexpectedly at age 49.

It wasn’t just the grief of losing a loved one; it was the sudden realization of how fragile life is, how quickly everything can change, and how important it was to truly live with purpose. I began questioning the path I was on. Was I doing the work that truly mattered? Was I contributing to something bigger than myself? Was I building a legacy my kids would be proud of?

During that period of deep reflection, I decided to make a bold change. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I had spent enough time standing still in my life. I took the leap to create something of my own—a business grounded in my passions, but also in the values that had always driven me: family, integrity, and service to others.

Over the next 12 years, I built businesses from the ground up. The road wasn’t always smooth—there were setbacks, failures, and moments where I wasn’t sure I could keep going. But every day, I was motivated by the vision I had to create a lasting impact, to give my children a different future, and to show my family that even through hardship, success can be built with grit, faith, and dedication.

I was incredibly fortunate to have my amazing wife Andrea by my side every step of the way. Andrea has been my rock—steadfast, supportive, and unwavering, even when things were at their most uncertain. She’s not only been a partner in life but also a partner in business, offering insights and perspectives that I couldn’t see in the thick of it. Together, we’re raising three beautiful kids, each of them unique and full of potential. They’re the reason I push myself every single day—to create a better life for them and to show them what it means to be resilient, to work hard, and to believe in the power of family.

Along the way, our household grew in size—and not just with children! We have four dogs who’ve brought endless joy, chaos, and love to our lives. Between the kids, the dogs, and running a growing business, life is always full of surprises. But through it all, I’ve learned that balance isn’t about having everything perfect—it’s about giving your best in every area, being present for the people you love, and staying grounded in your purpose.

Looking back, I’m proud of what I’ve built, but I’m more proud of the lessons I’ve learned and the person I’ve become in the process. My work isn’t just about building a company—it’s about building a future. Every decision, every action is guided by a commitment to create something that will outlast me—a legacy for my family, my team, and everyone who believes in what we’re doing.

The loss I experienced all those years ago, painful as it was, became a turning point that fueled my drive. It reminded me that life is too short to wait for the “perfect time” to make a change. And now, 17 years later, I’m doing what I love, surrounded by the people I love, and continuously striving to create something better for the generations that follow.

This journey is far from over. It’s just beginning. And I’m more excited than ever for what comes next.