My Story
Thank you for visiting Northbound.
I believe the greatest leadership lessons aren't learned in conference rooms—they're learned on the trail.
Ever since my first backpacking trip through the Grand Canyon at ten years old, I've been drawn to adventure. Years later, that passion led me to hike more than 1,500 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, where I discovered something that changed the way I think about leadership and life.
Ultralight backpacking is more than carrying less gear. It's a mindset. Every unnecessary ounce makes the journey harder, forcing you to ask a simple question: Do I really need to carry this? I've come to believe the same is true in leadership. Too often we carry fear, pride, unrealistic expectations, distractions, and responsibilities that were never ours to bear. The lighter we travel, the farther we can go.
That philosophy has been reinforced throughout my life. I retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2023 as a Lieutenant Colonel after 20 years of service, where I led teams through demanding missions, mentored future leaders, and flew more than 100 combat missions. I earned master's degrees in Military Operational Art & Science and Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma and spent my career helping organizations communicate, adapt, and lead through complexity.
Today, I bring those experiences together through Northbound. My passion is helping people discover that leadership is not about carrying more—it's about carrying what matters most. Whether on the trail, in the workplace, or at home, I believe growth happens when we step beyond our comfort zones, embrace challenge, and travel with purpose.
Most importantly, my faith in Jesus Christ shapes everything I do. I believe we were never meant to carry life's burdens alone, and my desire is to encourage others to trust God, pursue the adventure He has placed before them, and become the leaders He created them to be.
Welcome to the journey. Let's head Northbound together.