I’m a California native who’s life, both personally and professionally, has been anything but conventional. With that said, there are a few common denominators that string together my seemingly non-linear career and life path:

a) a love for fitness and experience; 

b) a strong belief that community and team are the backbone of success in life; 

c) a belief that unorthodox decision-making and out-of-the-box thinking breed innovation and disruption.

Some of my first and favorite memories involve sports. By the time I was six, I was swimming competitively and downhill ski racing in Tahoe in the winter. By my junior year of high school I was visiting Universities across the country to decide which school’s team I would eventually swim for.  As a life-long athlete, action, hard work, and goal-focused determination was ingrained in me. That mentality is something that I carried with me into adulthood. I learned leadership qualities, as well as the importance of team, camaraderie, and mindset — all of which were put to the test when I was injured during my second season of NCAA swimming. 

Sadly, my collegiate competition days came to an end. As I was searching for a new path, a rather unusual opportunity fell in my lap: modeling. And, cue, the beginning of the next two decades of my life in entertainment… and, I was scouted on the pool deck of all places — go figure. 

I moved to Milan and began modeling internationally, living all over Europe, working with the world’s most talented designers. I walked in runway shows for Ferragamo, Zegna and Giorgio Armani. I shot countless campaigns and editorials for publications like Vogue, L’uomo, and Cosmopolitan.

But, the glamour and high-profile lifestyle was never what interested me. I said “yes,” to the opportunity to experience new places and culture. I said “yes,” to the opportunity to create a community of friends from all over the planet. Modeling was my ticket to go on waterfall hikes in Tahiti, meditate with monks at some of the most beautiful temples in Indonesia, and get lost in the catacombs in Rome. …and, yeah, the events were fun too.

Eventually, I ended up back in Los Angeles, where I continued to model, and also took opportunities to work as a body double for Chris Pine and Ashton Kutcher. I got to work with Mr. Kutcher on 4 films, numerous commercials and 2 seasons of a TV series for period of 5 years, where I was given the opportunity to see and experience the intricacies of A-List talent.

There I was again, in the mix of an incredible team and community, where everything from creative direction to security was dependent on impeccable communication, respect, and trust. 

As is the nature of the business, there were lulls in filming, and I started to dabble in other things. Curating spaces that support healthy lifestyle, fitness, and creativity is something that I’m incredibly passionate about. I purchased my first property in Joshua Tree, The Nite Owl Inn.

I went in with the intention of remodeling it and creating a space where people could retreat, relax, and focus on their health & wellness against the beautiful backdrop of the desert. I listed it on Airbnb, and it has been booked solid with guests from around the world and used for 2 proposals and numerous photoshoots for individuals and brands. It’s something that I’m really proud of, and will recreate in my favorite places on the planet. 

I also got in to long-distance endurance events, and started setting new fitness goals for myself. I finished my first Ironman and 100 mile Ultramarathon in 2022, and continue to focus on fitness, nutrition, and recovery.

In 2015 I started coaching private clients at Equinox and group fitness at Barry’s Bootcamp. I quickly climbed the ranks at Barry’s, getting invited to teach in studios all over the US. Coaching fitness and taking on personal training clients was incredibly rewarding, as my guiding principle in life is to help people live their best and healthiest lives. I attribute so much of my success and recovery from the trauma of my childhood to fitness and living an active lifestyle, so to be in a position to help people discover that for themselves is amazing.

After some time in the proving grounds, the CEO of Barry’s asked me to transition to the corporate HQ side of the business as a community marketing manager and new studio launch specialist. I collaborated with our team cross-functionally to open multiple studios, activating and engaging communities in a wide array of different markets. I was also thrown on the special events team, where we produced countless pop-up events and new-trial concepts for the brand, including the Sundance Film Festival pop up experience. There I was again, doing what I loved, helping people, and creating incredible relationships with a brand who’s ethos and values truly aligned with mine.  

…and then, covid.  Let’s keep rolling with the punches, shall we?

Suddenly digital strategy and influencer marketing took an upturn. As gyms and studios closed, I was put in another unconventional position:  I could use the platform that modeling and entertainment had given me to inspire and help others through one of the most difficult times we have ever experienced collectively.  So I did.  I leaned in heavily to the digital fitness community and my network, partnered with brands that promoted healthy lifestyle and wellness, and moved my personal training business to zoom. The power of content, social, and influencer marketing grew daily, and I dove in to new platforms, content strategy, influencer strategy, and experienced community marketing in a completely different capacity. And that’s where we’re at today.

So, key takeaway?

To quote my best friend, Addison, who has gone through similar challenges: “I’ve learned to live with a mindset that serves me no matter what life throws at me. I’ve learned to love life while experiencing and honoring the full spectrum of emotions.”

Having a positive outlook is ultimately a choice. There will always be challenges, or what my wife calls “life-shit.” Some people have a higher threshold for enduring the curveballs of life more so than others… and I am by no means an expert at life, but I’ve got some good insight in to what works and what doesn’t when it comes to happiness and fulfillment.

Thanks so much for being here and choosing to spend your time and journey with me.

Let’s do stuff.