Started From the Bottom: My Journey and Mission

I’m a Milwaukee native, born and raised. My family came to the US as refugees in the 1970s. We grew up in a low-income neighborhood surrounded by what you’d expect to find. But we were also surrounded by community of honest, hard working people just trying to get by. We made friends, learned of each other’s experiences, and shared in each other’s accomplishments. Despite what comes along with growing up in low income neighborhoods, it also set a good foundation for what I would need as I set out on my own adventures - work hard, work smart, adapt, strive for more, be humble, and give back.

Throughout my adventures I’ve had many roles. I worked in retail, fast food, food service industry as a cook and server/bartender, as a carpenter, was a certified auto mechanic, and became a well-known DJ and promoter for the local venues and hot spots (also had DJ residencies in Denver, Salt Lake City, Twin Cities, and Los Angeles). I even earned my bachelor’s degree in business along the way.

My professional career began in territory sales and account management. I then moved to a full service marketing agency as consultant, was offered an opportunity of a lifetime for a very well-known global brand, and eventually worked my way up to become a regional manager at a Fortune 500 company, leading sales, operations, CRM, and marketing strategies across multiple markets.

The mix of actual hands-on experience to corporate leadership has given me a insight and perspective that allows me to see multiple perspectives that most others can’t. I’ve learned how to connect with people from all backgrounds, understand operations from the inside out, and see opportunities that data alone can’t show.

Now, I help small, medium, and minority-owned businesses use that same knowledge to grow. From running a local service company to building an emerging brand, I don’t focus on just the numbers, but helping businesses leave a lasting legacy.

My mission: To help the everyday businesses that are the backbone of our communities by sharing the knowledge, tools, and strategies that Fortune 500 companies use.