Born in 1946 in Florida, I came of age during a time of tremendous change and upheaval. From experiencing the racial tensions of segregation to witnessing the space race and the Vietnam War, my formative years were marked by both turbulence and innovation. As a typical baby boomer, my childhood was filled with outdoor adventures and the simple joys of youth. From playing baseball in the neighborhood to tinkering with cars and motorcycles, I had a natural curiosity and a desire to understand how things worked. My journey took an unexpected turn when I enlisted in the US Army Special Forces, serving three tours in Vietnam and rising through the ranks despite being wounded three times in action. After my military service, I continued to pursue higher education with the same determination. Prior to the Army, I graduated from college at a remarkably young age of 17 with a BSEE and later over the last 50 years, acquiring multiple degrees, including a JD in contractual law, an MBA in Finance, a MS in Quantum Physics, and a PhD in Project Management. Drawing upon my family's background in electrical contracting, I ventured into various entrepreneurial endeavors, founding and managing businesses spanning from construction to real estate to software services. Along the way, I experienced the highs of success and the lows of failure but never lost sight of my drive to keep moving forward. Marriage and family life brought its own set of challenges and joys. Through multiple marriages and the joys of fatherhood, I learned the importance of perseverance and adaptability. My current marriage of 37 years has been a source of stability and support, blending our families seamlessly despite the challenges of blending different backgrounds. Throughout my life, I've embraced new technologies and opportunities, leveraging my eidetic memory to stay ahead of the curve. Yet, despite my successes, I've never lost touch with the values instilled in me by my upbringing. I believe in hard work, self-reliance, and the importance of earning one's place in the world. While technology has brought incredible advancements, I lament the loss of human connection and the rise of entitlement. To the younger generation, I offer this advice: embrace the opportunities before you, but never forget the value of hard work and humility. Life is too precious to be spent in front of a screen; get out, explore, and make your mark on the world.
