I grew up in Chelsea, Mi., a small town just west of Ann Arbor. It’s the same town the actor, Jeff Daniels, is from. No, I don’t know him, but I did play basketball against him one time in a summer league. He won.
I live in Columbus, Ohio, specifically a suburb called Upper Arlington. I always say Columbus is the best kept secret in America. It’s a vibrant, thriving city that’s a truly great place to live, work, and run a business.
I graduated from Oklahoma Christian College with a degree in Mass Communications. They’ve got University status now, but my diploma still says College, so I stick with it.
My first real job was at McDonalds. My brother was a manager there and talked me into working with him one summer. Two weeks after I started he quit. I lasted another 9 months before I, too, quit in a blaze of glory.
In college I worked as a tour guide, a front desk clerk, a sound system installer, newspaper subscription salesman, playground supervisor, and a waiter. Those are just six of the twenty seven different jobs I’ve had.
After college I spent several years as a radio personality for stations in Oklahoma City, OK, Lansing Mi, and Columbus, Oh. My air name was Joe Bahama. No kidding. I worked for KLTE, KJYO, KZBS, WGOR, WVIC, and WWHT. I also did a single shift as a favor for a friend in Ft. Smith, AK, but that doesn’t really count.
My last “real job” was as an information designer for the top-notch branding, design, and product development firm called FITCH. Best company I ever worked for (besides my own) and one of the best seven year stretches of my life.
In 2000, I launched sparkspace, which I continue to lead, grow, and love today. I also speak, write books, and conduct retreats once in awhile.
Eve. She said yes in 1990. Best decision she ever made. She’s my voice of reason. A necessary and much appreciated role.
My two teenagers. Although they roll their eyes at me whenever I tell them I love them. I do it anyway.
My golden retrievers. We’ve had four so far and they’ve all crossed the rainbow bridge, but I’ll never stop loving them.
I escape to my cabin in the woods. I roast my own coffee (sorry, not for sale). I read a lot. I travel. I explore. I listen to Frank Sinatra records on my super cool restored record player. I hike, kayak, and pretend to be an outdoorsman.
