The Military Years
Over the course of 12 combat deployments in U.S. Army Special Operations, I jumped out of planes from 25,000 feet, advised U.S. Ambassadors during terrorist attacks, led multi-national teams in remote areas, was decorated for valor and awarded the Purple Heart.
I was living an adrenaline-filled dream.
And then I left it all.
The Transition
I gave up the glory, the steady paycheck, and the promise of a pension in order to have freedom to do what I wanted with my life—especially to spend more time with my family.
When I left the military, we had two mortgages, five kids, and no job. I had just bought a "fixer-upper" mansion that didn't even have heat or air conditioning. Then I found out that I owed the military $39K.
I started a general contracting company and netted negative $25,000 in the first year. And then I turned down a six-figure job that would require deploying—all because I wanted to be present with the people I love.
The Breakthrough
Today I have three thriving businesses, and I'm home with my family for dinner every night.
Now I'm really living the dream!
I could have played it safe, but I charted my own path despite uncertainty. I'm excited to share principles and practices I've learned along this road that will enable others to chart their own paths and to live their own lives in a bold and meaningful way.
"I like my way of doing it better than your way of not doing it." — D.L. Moody
What I Believe
- Faith comes first. Everything flows from trusting God with my life, family, and work.
- Family is the mission. My wife and five children are my primary calling.
- Hard work honors God. There's no such thing as easy money—embrace the toil.
- Community matters. We're meant to do life with other families in rich fellowship.
- Be dangerous. Cultivate the capacity to protect and provide—strength under control.
- Take risks. The biggest risk is playing it safe.
Where to Find Me
The best way to connect is through the Life on Target podcast where I share weekly on faith, family, business, and building a meaningful life.
