Being a sportscaster was always my dream. As a young kid, I would play basketball and hockey in my driveway announcing players names and couldn’t wait to watch, play and especially commentate on sports. I pursued that dream until, at the age of 23, a series of poor choices changed the trajectory of my life.  I became a father unexpectedly and suddenly had to figure out how to support my family.  My thought process shifted from what I wanted to do, to what I had to do.

Feeling lost, low on confidence, and not knowing how to ask for help or what to ask, I survived on food stamps, a minimum wage job and naively convinced myself that sports gambling could pay the bills.  While working as an Assistant Banquet Manager at a local hotel, I experienced how to manage and relate to different personalities and generations. This opportunity allowed me to learn how to confidently and effectively communicate with others and advocate for them, if not yet for myself.  I observed how poorly people treated each other which motivated me to act as a champion for those that found themselves judged, discarded, minimized or stigmatized.

Eventually, I transitioned to a sales position because throughout my childhood I was repeatedly urged to pursue a career that involves helping, educating and/or interacting with people. I was successful in my role, but after four years, the company I worked for was closing.  I found myself at a crossroads. I realized that I finally had the confidence and courage to pursue the challenge of entrepreneurship instead of living someone else’s dream.

At age 29, I started my first company, experiencing risk, growth, frustration, and near bankruptcy. A decade later, I would ultimately be recognized as one of Inc 500/5000’s fastest growing privately held companies in 2010 and 2011. I leveraged that recognition and the unprecedented growth to sell my company in 2011.

After fulfilling a two-year obligation to the acquiring company, I knew what it was time to fulfill my passion. I processed all the lessons, victories and missteps and finally recognized my core values around determination, perseverance, and resiliency. This allowed me to pursue my passion for helping individuals grow their confidence, communication skills and mindset.  I understood the importance of being judged for who you are, instead of who you were.  All the mistakes and perceived failures taught me the importance of experiential learning and a growth mindset that led to the birth of MindsetGo.

What started as a part-time side consulting business five years ago has transitioned to a successful and highly reputable company specializing in interpersonal skills, utilizing emotional and conversational intelligence that spans generations and cultures. MindsetGo is now sought out nationally by business leaders, organizations, teachers, parents, and students.