I was born and raised in the wide countryside of Ohio. I grew up in a humble home—a log cabin that had once been used as a trapper’s cabin earlier in the century. Life was not easy. My father passed away when I was only three years old, leaving my mother to raise seven children on her own. She worked hard at Scio Pottery until it later closed, doing everything she could to provide for our family.

Growing up, I learned early the value of hard work, resilience, and responsibility. As a boy, I trapped muskrats and raccoons and sold their pelts for extra money because our family had very little. Those early experiences shaped my work ethic and taught me how to persevere through difficult circumstances.

I graduated from Carrollton High School and then entered the United States Navy, where I served in the launch and recovery of aircraft. Later, I became part of a crash and rescue team, helping rescue pilots from downed aircraft. My time in the Navy taught me discipline, teamwork, and the importance of performing under pressure—lessons that stayed with me throughout my career.

After my military service, I entered the civilian manufacturing world and have remained in automation ever since. I have been involved since the early days of robots and PLCs, working through the evolution of industrial technology while continually studying and applying the codes and standards that make workplaces safer and more reliable.

While building my career, I was also working full time, earning both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, and raising a family. This period of my life required discipline, sacrifice, and a relentless commitment to personal and professional growth.

Over the years, I grew from a maintenance technician to maintenance manager and later to engineering manager in several organizations. Along the way, I gained firsthand experience in troubleshooting, leadership, safety, maintenance strategy, and the practical application of industrial standards in real-world environments.

Today, I lead a well-maintained and purpose-driven organization dedicated to helping others succeed in manufacturing, maintenance, and industrial operations. My mission is to help others avoid the same mistakes I made along the way, shorten their learning curve, and build confidence, competence, and success in their own careers.

I am here to educate, encourage, and empower others so they can succeed.