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“A man's steel is forged under the hammer of adversity and tempered in the fires of experience.”
About
My work is centered on AI, automation, and industrial innovation across mining, agriculture, construction, energy, and infrastructure. I drive investment and forge partnerships that accelerate transformative technologies, connecting key players, closing high-value deals, and leading digital transformation in industries that shape the future.
Beyond securing capital, I build relationships that bring validation, strategic advantage, and long-term impact. Having raised over $100M+ across multiple ventures, I understand what it takes to align the right people, resources, and vision to turn bold ideas into reality.
At my core, I’m obsessed with understanding people—their ambitions, their constraints, and the unseen forces that shape their decisions. Whether in venture, business, or politics, I thrive at the intersection of big ideas, deep problem-solving, and high-stakes execution. The goal isn’t just to play the game—it’s to reshape it through the right relationships.
my story
Growing up in Carmel, Indiana, I was fueled by an insatiable curiosity. From an early age, I sought every opportunity to learn, tinker, and challenge conventional thinking. I was fortunate to have patient parents who allowed me to take things apart—both literally and intellectually—just to understand how they worked. While others followed structured paths, I carved my own, teaching myself, questioning assumptions, and exploring ideas that extended far beyond the confines of a classroom.
My path has never been linear—it has been guided by a deep-seated drive to make this world a better, more navigable place. I’ve always felt a responsibility to protect those who cannot protect themselves, to cherish those who can no longer care for themselves, and to demystify an increasingly complex world for those without the privilege of guidance. That sense of purpose has shaped everything I do, from my work in venture capital and business strategy to my relentless pursuit of bold, high-impact ideas.
When I moved to Pittsburgh, PA, I found myself immersed in a community of remarkable individuals—mentors, peers, and pioneers who encouraged me to take my big thinking and act on it. Their belief in me became a driving force, and I’ve made it my mission to pay that forward—to mentor, support, and elevate those who, like me, see the world differently and are ready to challenge the status quo. More than anything, I thrive on forging meaningful human connections—networking is my greatest sport, and I view every interaction as an opportunity to learn, challenge, and grow.
I thrive in challenges, in solving problems that others shy away from, and in pushing boundaries that others accept. My thinking doesn’t fit in a box—because I’ve never believed in boxes to begin with. I am constantly focused on what I don’t know rather than what I do, and that mindset keeps me sharp, adaptable, and ready for whatever comes next.
My path has never been linear—it has been guided by a deep-seated drive to make this world a better, more navigable place. I’ve always felt a responsibility to protect those who cannot protect themselves, to cherish those who can no longer care for themselves, and to demystify an increasingly complex world for those without the privilege of guidance. That sense of purpose has shaped everything I do, from my work in venture capital and business strategy to my relentless pursuit of bold, high-impact ideas.
When I moved to Pittsburgh, PA, I found myself immersed in a community of remarkable individuals—mentors, peers, and pioneers who encouraged me to take my big thinking and act on it. Their belief in me became a driving force, and I’ve made it my mission to pay that forward—to mentor, support, and elevate those who, like me, see the world differently and are ready to challenge the status quo. More than anything, I thrive on forging meaningful human connections—networking is my greatest sport, and I view every interaction as an opportunity to learn, challenge, and grow.
I thrive in challenges, in solving problems that others shy away from, and in pushing boundaries that others accept. My thinking doesn’t fit in a box—because I’ve never believed in boxes to begin with. I am constantly focused on what I don’t know rather than what I do, and that mindset keeps me sharp, adaptable, and ready for whatever comes next.
Professional Journey
Leaving Purdue University, where I had thrived, I quickly found myself lost in the real world. With no clear path forward, I took a role at my cousin’s real estate company as a mortgage officer—something I saw at the time as simply a job. What I didn’t realize then was that this experience would become one of the most formative of my career.
Entering the mortgage business in 2008—during one of the most challenging financial crises in modern history—forced me to develop skills that would shape everything that followed. Creativity, resilience, and an instinct for navigating uncertainty weren’t just useful—they were essential. The mortgage business is one of the rare professions that grants an unfiltered view into people’s financial lives, exposing the complexities of their ambitions, fears, and decisions. This access provided me with an invaluable education in human nature and strategic decision-making—one that no classroom could ever replicate.
But the mortgage world didn’t just shape me professionally—it changed my life in ways I could have never expected. It was during this time that I met Andrea, the woman who would become my wife and my greatest partner. The same period that forged me into the professional I am today also gave me the most meaningful relationship of my life, reinforcing how every challenge, every unexpected turn, carries the potential for extraordinary outcomes.
With Andrea’s patience and unwavering support, I took the leap into entrepreneurship and ultimately found my niche in venture—not simply in selling, but in building the highest-value partnerships possible. My strength has never been in transactional deals; it has been in forging partnerships that bring far more than just business. The relationships I cultivate come with capital, legitimacy, validation, resources, and long-term strategic alignment—the critical factors that truly accelerate companies. Through direct and collaborative efforts, I have helped raise over $100M+ across multiple ventures, ensuring that companies don’t just secure funding, but build the kind of ecosystem that amplifies their success.
As my work continues to evolve, I remain driven by big ideas, deep problem-solving, and the power of strategic partnerships to create lasting impact. Whether in business, venture capital, or my passion for politics, I thrive at the intersection of innovation, leadership, and execution—bringing people and ideas together to drive meaningful change.
Entering the mortgage business in 2008—during one of the most challenging financial crises in modern history—forced me to develop skills that would shape everything that followed. Creativity, resilience, and an instinct for navigating uncertainty weren’t just useful—they were essential. The mortgage business is one of the rare professions that grants an unfiltered view into people’s financial lives, exposing the complexities of their ambitions, fears, and decisions. This access provided me with an invaluable education in human nature and strategic decision-making—one that no classroom could ever replicate.
But the mortgage world didn’t just shape me professionally—it changed my life in ways I could have never expected. It was during this time that I met Andrea, the woman who would become my wife and my greatest partner. The same period that forged me into the professional I am today also gave me the most meaningful relationship of my life, reinforcing how every challenge, every unexpected turn, carries the potential for extraordinary outcomes.
With Andrea’s patience and unwavering support, I took the leap into entrepreneurship and ultimately found my niche in venture—not simply in selling, but in building the highest-value partnerships possible. My strength has never been in transactional deals; it has been in forging partnerships that bring far more than just business. The relationships I cultivate come with capital, legitimacy, validation, resources, and long-term strategic alignment—the critical factors that truly accelerate companies. Through direct and collaborative efforts, I have helped raise over $100M+ across multiple ventures, ensuring that companies don’t just secure funding, but build the kind of ecosystem that amplifies their success.
As my work continues to evolve, I remain driven by big ideas, deep problem-solving, and the power of strategic partnerships to create lasting impact. Whether in business, venture capital, or my passion for politics, I thrive at the intersection of innovation, leadership, and execution—bringing people and ideas together to drive meaningful change.