Where were you born and raised?
Born and raised in Texas

What’s a short story around the biggest transition you’ve faced in life?
It took more than ten years for me to transition from the military to having sustained success in the private sector. I dreamed big, worked hard and enjoyed short term successes but didn’t always see the pitfalls ahead. As a result I spent years on a roller coaster of highs and lows. Some of the failures were very painful for me and my family. Over the years I became much better at identifying and evaluating risks which resulted in continued success over the last 30 years of my career.

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give a younger you?
Dream big but pay attention to details, understand risk, and work with good people. It’s not okay to be okay. Do not accept mediocrity. Practice artistry.

Your Personal Why?
Give More Than I Take.

How does your Why drive you to be a part of the THF Ecosystem?
I benefited greatly from being a member of SEAL Team One during the Vietnam era. I want to give back more than I received. I don’t think that is possible but I’m doing the best I can to give back to the SEAL community.

Top 5 Strengths Finder Strengths and how they influence you?
Achiever: I typically check and double check my work. I need to ensure everything is in order. I take a serious-minded approach to evaluating the accuracy of reports, data, and facts. I’m naturally drawn to start-up activities because they give me the opportunity to accomplish something no one else has done.

Learner: I’m attracted to teams whose activities and challenges intrigue me. I give these matters my undivided attention. Instinctively, I am attracted to difficult and challenging endeavors. I notice that certain people turn to me for guidance. Understanding what they aim to accomplish can be the beginning of a practical partnership or enduring friendship. I feel an attachment to certain individuals I meet.

Arranger: I am the team member who usually acquires lots of information by perusing all kinds of written material. I ordinarily partner with people whose work ethics are sound. I prefer collaborating with individuals who seek continuous improvement. I’ve always volunteered for additional duties. I expect to be held accountable for the results I produce as well as my words and deeds.

Relator: I am quite comfortable being honest about myself with others. I can openly acknowledge my mistakes and shortcomings. Because of this openness and my talent, people seek my counsel. I welcome opportunities to spend time with friends who enjoy thinking about the future. They often invite me to offer suggestions about what can and cannot be accomplished in the coming months, years, and decades.

Responsibility: By nature, I conduct myself in a mature and orderly fashion even when my colleagues do not. I customarily take on additional duties. Others frequently count of me to handle important as well as mundane tasks. They realize I am serious about meeting deadlines, keeping promises, and paying attention to details. I want to be associated with quality. People trust me because they have discovered time that I honor my commitments.

Military Connection or Why do you respect Special Operators?
As a former SEAL from the Vietnam era, I respect Special Operators and want to help them have successful careers after they leave the military.

Favorite THF Value, and why?
My favorite Honor Foundation Value is PRACTICE ARTISTRY.

Area/Industry of expertise
I was an early donor and volunteer at THF. I am President of the Board of Directors and Treasurer of The Honor Foundation.