About

Born in the Peruvian mountains. Raised on the Illinois prairie. US Marine Corps veteran. University of Illinois alumnus. Super cat dad.

My Story

 

Grew up in Champaign-Urbana, IL, USA, home to HAL, the University of Illinois, and REO Speedwagon.

Raised by two amazing and loving University professors, through which education, critical thinking, compassion, and righteousness were pressed upon me from an early age and are core to who I am today.

Being a kid during the 80s/90s was truly awesome and is one of my biggest flexes.

College. Marines. College. Start-up. College. Ask me for the long version sometime, but it will cost you a few glasses of cheap wine.

Currently, I am a digital professional who is thankful for the scars and lessons he’s learned over the years.

I am extremely pragmatic and find pleasure in solving obstacles through critical thinking and reasoning.

I am competitive really only to myself, always searching for ways to improve anything I’m working on or producing.

I am calculating; however, righteousness and compassion are still core to who I am.

I am someone who loves learning, but more so now, someone who loves to teach and mentor young talent.

I am not afraid to speak truth to power, but I am now mature and experienced enough to make positive change through collaboration and cooperation.

I had COVID in December of 2020 and had a few scary days. Made a promise to live life more if I made it through. I did, so I am.

What brings me joy

  • Exercise

    I walk and/or bike every day. Swimming is also a M-F must. Great for stress relief and stretching. Gotta do it.

  • My beasts

    My 2 cats are my heart. Little asshats, but I love them.

  • HBO & Netflix Series

    The Sopranos, Rome, The Wire, and Deadwood. The Four Horsemen Series; however, I also enjoy Boardwalk Empire, Ozark, Breaking Bad, and Better Call Saul. And let’s not even discuss Game of Thrones.

  • Music

    Music gives me power and my catalog is diverse. Tool, The Prodigy, Handel, 90s Rap & Hip Hop, Film Soundtracks, 70’s Classic Rock. During the day, I’m jamming out to LoFi work music, but after hours it could be anything.

  • Video Games

    Lifelong gamer. From Atari to Steam. While growing up, I did all the consoles, but now really PC only. I spend my time between city builders and Halo MCC. Retired and recovering World of Warcraft addict.

  • My Jeep

    Bought a Jeep while in the Marines and had one ever since. I know my Mom wants me to get a nice sedan like a grown up, but my baby just keeps on getting the job done. With Chicago winters, the 4X4 is almost a must.

  • Illini Sports

    Growing up in Champaign made me an Illini fan for life. Being an alum only made me crazier. March Madness is my Superbowl. Go Illini!

  • Politics

    From an early age, I learned and loved politics. How politics shaped towns, cities, and countries all fascinate me. From the Roman senate and Chicago planned racial segregation to small town Mayor’s races and new voting technology, its all interesting to me.

  • Python and Data Science

    In the last few years, I’ve started to learn Python and basic data analysis. When time allows, I work on small apps and fun little projects to expand my knowledge.

 

Live Life

I love music. It empowers me. Wanted to share this video, as it instantly resonated with me, especially with everything that happened over the last year.

Don’t waste time. Dance when you can. Hug your loved ones. Live life.