I wanted to provide a little bit about my background to give you more insight on me.  

 

I was born and raised in Royal Oak Michigan where I graduated from Dondero High School, which has since been combined with Kimball High School.  Growing up I played Hockey on the Royal Oak travel team and raced Motocross and Enduro motorcycles during the summer months.  

 

At an early age I worked with my father as a detailer in his Drafting company.  To this day, I only write in block letters.  Some habits are hard to break.  During my high school years, I worked for a machining company where I worked as a CNC mill and lathe operator.  I learned a lot about manufacturing and design during those years.

 

Before I started my college career, I took a year off to backpack around Europe.  What an experience! There were two major events during my childhood that has impacted me throughout my life; one was my trip through Europe and the other was being a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.  Being an only child both experiences helped a great deal in working with other people from both a cultural and social aspect.  

 

I helped put myself through school by working full time at a telemarketing company.  Yes, I was that annoying person asking for money for the Police Officers Association of Michigan!  Say what you will about telemarketers, but it taught me a great deal on overcoming adversity.  The initial response from 99.9% of the people I called was to say No!  Through persistence and honing my skill I did become the sales leader until I graduated in 1991.  

 

Today I have two wonderful daughters, one is a pediatric nurse and the other is currently in her freshman year in college.  I am also married to my wonderful wife, Denise.  In my spare time today, I play golf, riding my mountain bike or on the boat with my family.  I am truly blessed to be a part of my family.