Whether coaching, playing or watching, soccer (aka proper football), is a big part of my life! I have enjoyed playing in “old man” leagues and traveling to England to watch matches. My teammates from all over the globe brought me a better understanding of the world and cultures beyond my own. But nothing compares to being in the stands and watching players you coached since they were little kids live their own soccer dreams as they play under the lights in high school and college.

Some are surprised to learn a creative like me was once in the Marines. Don’t worry, I don’t treat colleagues like Marines, but I still try to live the values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. I served in the relatively peaceful 90’s as a machine gunner and forward observer. I had a lot of fun (in the photo on the left, I was quoting Caesar as we invaded California during an exercise). But a few years after I left the Corps, many friends deployed to Iraq. Some did not return. I try to earn what they gave up by living a life that tries to do a little good for the world.

• With executive parents, I moved frequently, attending four elementary schools. I am grateful for this now, as I am comfortable with all walks of life and my travels helped me develop a fascination for subcultures.

• I am an avid reader of both fiction and non-fiction.

• My secret obsession is landscape design. My yard seems to change quarterly.

• My wife and I have two kids and two cats. We are not having any more of either.

• My cat Poe is my office mate and loves to make random appearances on camera.