It’s hard to believe, but I’ve been building businesses and teams for nearly 25 years now. In roles ranging from founder to c-level executive and President, I’ve experienced some amazing success and devastating loss and a little of everything in between. But along my entire journey I’ve been fortunate to have been (and continue to be) mentored, supported, loved and coached by some of the best humans ever.
I spent my 20’s & 30’s building various companies with various levels of success, my first at age 22 (unless you count my DJ company in 8th grade). I’ve worked with partners, family, friends, in-laws and even my wife. I built businesses through the dot.com bust, 9/11, the 2008 financial crisis and now the COVID-19 outbreak. I experienced a mixture of good and back luck, good and bad timing, good and bad ideas, good and bad judgement, along with good and bad people. I’ve had employees excel in their first jobs, grow into management, start their own businesses, start their families (even marry other employees) and buy their first homes. I’ve also had employees (and partners) lie, cheat, steal and more. You can say I’ve seen and experienced a little bit of everything.
I’ve spent the better part of the last decade building SaaS (software-as-a-service) companies. I currently serve as President for SafetyChain Software, a fast growing cloud-based plant management platform for food and beverage manufacturers. I also serve as a Board Member and President (and proud dad) for the Tower of Niceness, a 501 c3 non-profit founded by my kids to provide niceness for those in need that has raised nearly $150,000 over the past 4 years.
I believe building a “Help & Hustle” culture is key to building any company. I believe in hard work but value work/life balance – and working to get better at it myself. I believe in mentors and learning from them while celebrating the success of others. I believe in giving back when and how you can. I believe in trusting your teams and that employees are as important as customers. And I believe in having some fun on the crazy, wild ride of building a company.
I’m fortunate to live in Northern California with my amazing wife, 2 energetic teenage boys and adorable daughter (who runs the house). I’m a die hard San Francisco sports fan and love anything to do with board sports or water. When I’m not helping build great teams and companies, you’ll find me with hustling at home with my family – on a mountain bike, on a hike, or snowboarding down a mountain at our favorite place – Lake Tahoe.
Feel free to connect with me