Prior to retiring in 2020, my career included agency, journalism, corporate communications and marketing experience. I worked with news media from local to international levels and also helped write several books for clients.

I grew up in the Midwest and graduated from Central Michigan University. During my college years, I worked my way through school by holding jobs in retail sales, on an assembly line, as a lifeguard and a dorm resident assistant.

Warm weather is much more appealing to me than cold and snow, so a few years after graduating from college I jumped at the chance to relocate to Southern California and work in communications with an international nonprofit organization. Not only was it a good career move, but it turned out to be a good move for me personally because I met my wife in California and both our daughters were born there.

During this period, I also earned my master’s degree in Communication and Management at California State University.

After seven plus years on the West Coast, I started my agency career with a small firm in the Chicago area. That led to an opportunity in Nashville, Tennessee, with Dye, Van Mol & Lawrence (now DVL Seigenthaler), one of the leading full-service public relations and advertising agencies in the Southeast. I gained some great experience servicing regional and national accounts, and also was part of the agency’s new business and media training teams.

Several years later, an ad agency in suburban Nashville recruited me to head up its public relations department. While working full time, I attended Nashville School of Law at night.

In 2002 I started my own consulting business, and for the next 18 years was privileged to help more than 100 clients reach their business objectives and manage their reputations through effective, strategically targeted communication.

Throughout my agency career I received awards for my contributions in crisis communications, integrated communications, internal communications, investor relations, marketing communications, marketing consumer products/services, media relations, public relations, public service programs and special events.

In retirement, I continue to be active in our church and involved with a number of nonprofit organizations. I also enjoy reading, running, swimming, tennis, traveling and hanging out at the beach.