Earlier today, I had the privilege of speaking to an incredible networking group: The Young Professionals Group at Ordinance One in downtown New Port Richey. The room was filled with energy and excitement as these ambitious individuals gathered to connect, learn, and share their journeys in the business world. It was a fantastic opportunity to share my story—a story of taking risks, embracing new challenges, and the enduring support of my marriage, which has been a cornerstone of everything I’ve accomplished.
I began by talking about one of the biggest decisions of my life: walking away from the Navy. The Navy was where I developed discipline, resilience, and leadership skills—qualities that have guided me through every chapter of my life. But as much as I valued my time in the military, I felt a pull to explore new challenges and start fresh in a different field. This decision was not made lightly; it was a leap of faith that I took with the unwavering support of my wife. Her belief in me, her encouragement to follow my dreams, and her willingness to face the unknown alongside me were instrumental in making that transition possible.
After leaving the Navy, I stepped into the role of a teacher. Teaching allowed me to give back, inspire others, and develop a different kind of leadership. It was incredibly fulfilling, but my wife and I knew that we had more we wanted to build together. We had bigger dreams and aspirations, and we were ready to pursue them as a team.
That drive led us to launch PGF (Premier Girls Fastpitch) in Florida. FL PGF wasn’t just a business—it was a passion project, something we both believed in deeply. We wanted to create a platform that would empower young female athletes, helping them grow not just as players, but as leaders. Through FL PGF, we’ve worked to build a community where these girls can develop their skills, gain confidence, and learn the values of teamwork and perseverance. The success of FL PGF has been a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and the strength of our teams. 8 years now and we have grown into the biggest most competitive softball event company in the South.
But we didn’t stop there. Alongside FL PGF, we ventured into the world of franchising with Capital Tacos. This was another significant challenge—now working with sports and in the restaurant industry. Planning is key. It’s been an exciting journey, Franchising with Capital Tacos is about more than just running a business; it’s about building a brand, creating a community, and staying true to our values as we scale. The lessons we learned from FL PGF have carried over into Capital Tacos, helping us navigate new obstacles and stay focused on our goals.
As if that wasn’t enough, we also launched Lead Your Journey, a business that focuses on personal development, leadership, and helping others navigate their own paths. Lead Your Journey embodies everything we’ve learned over the years—the importance of resilience, the power of collaboration, and the belief that success is a continuous process of growth and reinvention. This venture is particularly meaningful to us because it allows us to give back in a broader way, helping others find their purpose and build their own journeys, just as we have.
Throughout my talk today, I emphasized the importance of moving forward through adversity. This is a theme that has been central to both my personal and professional life. Marriage, like business, is full of challenges, but it’s also where the greatest strengths are built. My wife has been my rock, my partner in every sense, and together we’ve faced the highs and lows with determination and love. The young professionals in the room could see that behind every success story, there’s a team, a partnership that makes it all possible.
What I wanted to convey most was that we’re not finished—we’re still deeply involved in everything we’ve built. FL PGF continues to thrive as we empower the next generation of athletes. Capital Tacos is growing, reaching more communities with our vision of great food and great service. And with Lead Your Journey, we’re helping people find the strength to overcome their challenges and achieve their goals.
As I wrapped up my talk and left the event, I felt a deep connection with the audience. I saw in them the same eagerness and drive to build something meaningful that has fueled our journey. I wanted to leave them with a message of hope and determination: that no matter where they start, with the right support, the right mindset, and the willingness to take risks, they can achieve great things.
Every day is an opportunity to grow, to build, and to strengthen the partnerships that make success possible. I’m grateful for the chance to share our story and to inspire the next generation of leaders. Together, with purpose, passion, and support, the possibilities are endless. We’re still building, still growing, and still pushing forward—every day, in every way. #60ForMe #LeadYourJourney
Thank You!