In August 1976, I moved to Orlando, Florida, beginning a fulfilling
career in the home building industry as the Manpower Director for the
Orlando Home Builder Association. Soon after, I reconnected with
Marlene, my future wife, at the Florida Home Builder Annual
convention, and we married in 1977. My career took off in 1979 when I
became the VP of Sales for Laurel Homes, a role I held for nine years,
during which I actively participated in local, state, and national home
builder associations. My work in sales and marketing led to my
appointment as Chairman of the NAHB Sales and Marketing Council in
1985.
In 1989, I earned my Florida General Contractor License, running my
own building company and leading as Division President for regional
and national builders over the next two decades. Staying active has been
a big part of my life: I took up sprint triathlons in the 1980s, ran multiple
races, and completed two marathons. Marlene and I have enjoyed
hobbies together, from tennis to long-distance cycling fundraisers for
MS.
After roles in Houston and Albuquerque, we moved to Ft. Myers, where
I transitioned to real estate with Keller Williams. I’m now proud to be
part of the Keller Williams Winter Park team. Our two children, Ryan, a
chef and restaurant owner in Winter Garden, and Katie, an entrepreneur
in Austin, Texas, continue to bring us joy, along with our grandsons,
Clayton and George.