The short version…

While born in the Mid-west and attending part of grade school in Memphis, Tennessee, most of my years have been based in the Salt Lake Valley of Utah.

During my high school years my family relocated and I decided to stay in Salt Lake to venture out on my own. By my junior year, only needing a couple of classes each day, I worked full-time as a technician for an apartment management company…which ended up being a springboard into my career.

The mid-1990’s moved me to a counter sales position at a wholesale supply house while studying refrigeration at a local college.

Making ends meet was tough. Up at 5 am each day to clean the apartment complex pool (in exchange for $150 off monthly rent), counter sales from 8 am to 5 pm, school from 6 pm to 9 pm, then a graveyard shift cleaning carpets in restaurants. I’m sure many of you can relate with similar stories getting started!  

After completing the refrigeration course and absorbing all kinds of knowledge about parts, it was time to get back into the field. A highly recognized HVAC company offered me a service tech position and I gratefully accepted.  

The next few years were a whirlwind of learning. Including a 4-year apprenticeship program and a ridiculous number of industry specific courses and certifications. Not to mention working on some amazing mechanical systems of all sizes.

After completing the 4-year apprenticeship program, the college asked if I would consider teaching as an adjunct instructor starting the following semester, which I was happy to do.

Running a service truck, teaching part-time at the college, and providing in-house certification trainings for our company felt very purposeful and fulfilling. Contributing to other people’s personal growth quickly proved to be a passion. There was even a brief time acting as the Education Director for a local Refrigeration Service Engineers Society chapter, that provided opportunities to rub shoulders with some great people. All of this by the age of 23.

Contributing to other people’s personal growth quickly proved to be a passion.

Have I mentioned motorcycles? I absolutely love motorcycles.

Just before turning 30, my love for motorcycles connected me headfirst with a curb resulting in an “Open Severe Traumatic Brain Injury”. Be assured that helicopter rides are much more enjoyable (and cheaper) when you’re conscious. Almost every vertebra in my spine and neck were broken or fractured, along with my skull looking like pieces of a puzzle. All my left side ribs were completely snapped off; with a few puncturing and collapsing a lung. Being in a coma for just a few days left me with the cognitive ability of a child.

It was instantly back to square one.

Being discharged and relocated for 24 hour care, my house was sold and 401K cashed out to put toward an ongoing mountain of medical bills.

While all the information was still in my mind, I just couldn’t access it. For years, understanding other people’s intentions and social dynamics presented a major challenge. There was a lot of confusion and frustration, not only for myself but even more so for the people trying to support me.

Motivation quickly changed from proving myself to the world, to getting my mind back. Six years into recovery I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication with an emphasis in New Media and Public Speaking.

After six years in recovery and a lifetime still ahead, I was finally able to go back to work.

After six years in recovery, I went back to work as a Technical Trainer for HVAC/Plumbing wholesale distributors. For two years covering the West Coast as a technical liaison between distribution and manufactures, while also delivering technical communications and training. I offered the same services for another distributor after relocating back into Utah.

In 2011, MJM Associates, Inc., who is a predominant independent rep agency based in Colorado, offered me a position and opportunity for ownership. This role entailed being the face for sometimes 25+ manufactures and managing distribution in the Rocky Mountain Territory.

All my formal education, previous career positions and life experiences had prepped me for this role and it showed. Providing business development, technical sales and training; profitability in my territory grew quickly. Over the years, my territory growth rate has been double the average. Recognized some years as the highest earning Territory Manager in the company along with accolades from manufactures and distributors.

Let’s Connect