My Journey Through Business and Entrepreneurship

More than anything, I hope my kids find a job they love, develop a passion for something meaningful, or even build their own businesses. I’ve always been an entrepreneur at heart, drawn to the challenge of starting and growing businesses.

Early Dreams of Teaching

Initially, my plan was to become a teacher. I started college with that goal in mind, but eventually, I moved back home and began working instead. Later in life, I made two attempts to return to school through online courses to finally earn my degree in education.

For some reason, it just never worked out for me to become a teacher. Looking back, I believe everything happens for a reason. My motivation for teaching wasn’t just about the job itself—I wanted to help kids and be a positive influence in their lives. My dream was to coach football and mentor young athletes.

I’ve always believed in the value of sports as a way to teach kids about discipline, teamwork, and overcoming challenges. Coaching has allowed me to help kids reach their potential and push themselves beyond what they thought was possible. I’ve now been coaching football for 14 years, and I have no plans of stopping anytime soon.

My Early Career

After leaving college, I started working at TGI Fridays, waiting tables. It was a fun job, and for a college-aged kid, the money wasn’t bad.

While working there, a friend encouraged me to interview with Frito-Lay, and I ended up getting hired. At the time, I thought, this is it—my career path is set! I imagined moving up the ranks and eventually managing my own route. I thought I’d be “the chip guy” for the long haul.

But deep down, I always wanted more—a career that would push me, challenge me, and give me the opportunity to work for myself. The idea of building businesses intrigued me, and I knew that taking risks was part of the journey. After all, if you never take risks, your dreams will never become reality.

My First Business Venture

In 1995, I got my first real business opportunity when I became a mortgage broker. I learned the industry quickly and committed myself to being the best broker I could be. A few years later, in 1999, I took the leap and started my own mortgage company.

At the time, I had no idea that real estate and title businesses would become my most financially successful ventures. But looking back, those businesses played a major role in shaping my career.

Building a Business Empire

Starting my mortgage company was just the beginning. Over the years, I expanded into multiple states, growing my business into several offices. I also launched a title company, which grew alongside the mortgage business.

By 2006-2007, at the peak of my real estate career, I had over 80 employees, four mortgage offices, and two title companies.

Being so heavily involved in real estate naturally led me into real estate investing. I started purchasing rental properties, vacant lots, and homes to buy and sell.

At 30 years old, I bought my own beachfront condo in Florida, which remains one of my favorite places I’ve ever lived. There was something so peaceful about the ocean—the slower pace, the sound of the waves at night—I still miss it.

I continued investing in real estate, eventually owning:

• Four beachfront condos
• Three houses in Florida
• One home in Arizona
• Seven houses in Ohio
• Various properties and land

A Major Accomplishment

My success in real estate and business allowed me to achieve something I’m incredibly proud of—paying off my first home.

I bought my house in North Ridgeville in 2000, and by 2010, I had completely paid it off. I lived in that home for over 20 years before moving in 2020.

My parents were never able to pay off a home completely, so for me, this was a huge milestone—one that showed me the power of hard work and financial discipline.

A Life of Entrepreneurship

Throughout my career, I have owned or been involved in over 18 different businesses, covering a wide range of industries. Some were successful, some were failures, but all of them pushed me to grow and learn.

Here are some of the businesses I’ve been involved in:

• Mortgage Company
• Title Company
• Advanced Mortgage Leads
• Tax Deed Business
• Pro Claim National
• Veranda Bistro and Bar (Restaurant)
• Cryo-Freeze Health & Recovery (Cryotherapy Center)
• Multiple Marketing Companies
• HoopTech (Sports Facility)
• Northern Ohio Youth Football League (Youth Sports Organization)
• Investment Company (Day Trading Stocks)
• Romeo’s Pizza Franchise
• Sports Betting Information Site
• Pro Settlement and Closing

And the list goes on.

The Business That Changed My Life

One business in particular had a profound impact on my personal life—a delinquent tax sale company called Reliant. My partners and I sold Reliant in 2007 to a company based in Montana.

As part of the agreement, I had to spend time in Montana working for the new company—and that’s where I met my future wife.

Without that business, I never would have met her, and we wouldn’t have our three incredible boys today. That one opportunity changed my life forever.

The Challenges of Business Ownership

Owning a business isn’t easy. Every venture comes with its own set of challenges, and you have to learn how to navigate obstacles while staying positive.

There were plenty of times when I had to work long hours, making sacrifices to keep the business moving forward. One of the hardest parts of running a company is knowing that your employees rely on you—their ability to support their families depends on the success of the business.

There were even times when I didn’t take a paycheck just to make sure my employees got paid.

But despite the challenges, building businesses has been rewarding, and I’ve been fortunate to help and employ many people over the years.

Looking Ahead

I’m excited for what the future holds. I never know what new opportunities will come my way, but I approach everything with a positive attitude and a willingness to grow.

I’ve been blessed with an amazing family, great friends, and the support of my community. Whatever comes next, I know that the sky’s the limit.