I was a child star. As a member of the Singing Boys of Pennsylvania I performed in every state east of the Mississippi before age 12. I sang Carol of the Bells to a Cardinal in a McDonald’s. I have 8000 hours on a jack hammer and 5000 hours on a forklift. I’ve got thousands of hours doing finish concrete, plumbing, framing, roofing, sheet rocking, demolition, and more.

The only degree I’ve completed is my bartending degree, but in the 7 years I wasted in college I spent a year as a high school student teacher and two years interning as a respiratory therapist. I was a summer camp counselor working with horses, leading trail rides and teaching basic riding skills. I’ve worked farms. I was a commercial salmon fisherman in Alaska. I was a volunteer fireman. I was a mechanic, A basement waterproofer, a contractor, a waiter, and a 6 figure salesman.

I’ve made $10,000 in a day may times and used a kureg to boil water for ramen because I didn’t own a microwave just as often. I’ve explored the pyramids with zahi hawass. I’ve crossed the Saini desert and slept under the stars in the Negev. I have crossed a desert on a camel with the the bediuon. . I’ve snorkeled in the red sea and swam a mile across shark infested waters to explore an island in the Mediterranean.

I’ve traveled north Africa. I’ve lived in Jerusalem. I’ve prayed at the Western wall. I’ve studied 5 languages but I only speak 2. I’ve traveled Europe by train. I’ve seen the Aurora with my eyes. I have a picture of myself standing next to a salmon shark while holding a WWII vintage M-1 Garand. I saved a harbor seal from a net. I have seen pilot whales surface three times before diving.

Today I am the only person in the world who makes the quarter million dollar JHMCS helmet, specifically the ROMA carbon fiber housing, but I am responsible for the whole thing. Any time you see an F 18 take out a target from five miles away, that was me. I work 65 hours, 7 days per week to meet demands that only get tighter.

A am a father, a husband, and carry the burden of more than one child who was never born.

My story is still being written. I will never stop searching for peace.