About Me
I’m a lifelong resident of Michigan’s “Thumb Coast,” where I love to be in the spring, summer, and the start of fall. (Michigan winters aren’t my favorite thing.)
I’ve been starting and growing companies for 20+ years. Through the ups and downs of building small businesses from conception to millions in annual revenue, I’ve learned a lot about people, sales, marketing, ideation, trying, winning, adapting, competing, and much more. My real joy is sharing what I’ve learned with other entrepreneurs and learning more myself in the process.
I have served on boards and advisory groups for Huntington Bank, Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce, St. Clair County RESA, The Keel, Blue Meets Green, and Blue Water Startups & Entrepreneurs.
The Marriage Group • Founder • 2009 to Present
WE HELP TODAY’S MARRIAGES START AND GROW.
We help church groups leverage technology to meet today’s couples where they are.
We help couples with accessible, engaging relationship-building courses.
We accomplish this by creating online, on-demand marriage preparation and enrichment courses that are modern and relatable, delivering impactful experiences to thousands of couples annually around the world.
The Roost • Founder • 2017 to Present
The Roost began as a coworking center in Downtown Port Huron as an offshoot from our prior space, Loft 912. In total, we delivered an extraordinary coworking experience for seven years. In 2023, we wound down the coworking aspect and The Roost shifted to the more traditional workspace/office lease model, in a still non-traditional environment.
In 2024, The Roost on the Bay opened in Sebewaing, Michigan. This beautifully-renovated building dating back to 1940 was originally a bakery, then a newspaper printing/distribution facility, an antique store, and other uses through the years. We spent a year on its renovation to introduce a comfortable, unique space to host meetings for groups of 2-15 people.
Jackleg • Founder • 2021 to Present
Formed in the “quarantine days” when people were starved for things to do outdoors, we repurposed an underutilized piece of land to bring people together again. From afternoon “backyard games” or evening bonfires at our little space in Port Huron to meetups at local hangouts around town, our mission is simple… Jackleg is all about connecting people for fun!
JACKLEG [ jak-leg ]
adjective: unskilled or untrained for one’s work; amateur
Blue Water Startups & Entrepreneurs • Founder & President • 2016 to 2022
[News article about Startup School]
Blue Water Startups & Entrepreneurs is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
OUR “STARTUP STORY”
Blue Water Startups & Entrepreneurs started in 2016 as a result of discussions between new and existing entrepreneurs located in Michigan’s Blue Water Area / Thumb Coast.
During those discussions, several common needs became apparent. Common needs ranged from the difficulties in finding appropriate resources like funding or consultation to the inherent isolation and loneliness that each of us have experienced at the beginning of our business adventure.
As these common themes were identified, we began to brainstorm ways that we could better address those difficulties for ourselves. “Be the change!” And so began the formation of Blue Water Startups & Entrepreneurs.
OUR “SUCCESS STORY”
Over the past six years, we have hosted monthly meetups, hosted two regional Startup School conferences, held workshops, organized field trips, collaborated with local and regional organizations and corporate partners/sponsors, and brought together hundreds of people that may not have otherwise connected.
THAT’S A WRAP!
Reflecting on the startup founders’ needs that led to the creation of this organization, we are satisfied that the entrepreneurial ecosystem in this community has grown and matured.
· Various funding sources are available to startups at any stage
· Affordable — even free — consultation services are available to help hopeful entrepreneurs get started
· Human connectedness with entrepreneurs can be found at our local coworking spaces, business incubator, Chamber of Commerce events, and social club
FOUNDING LEADERSHIP TEAM
With smiling faces and joy in our hearts, our founding Leadership Team thanks you for your support and participation over the years. Each of us continue to work and grow the entrepreneurial ecosystem in our own pursuits, while remaining teammates in that common goal.
ELEVEN19 • Founder • 2015 to Present
ELEVEN19 was created to operate as “our company that runs our other companies.” We also help other entprepreneurs to level up through Relentlessly Positive coaching.
Loft 912 • Founder • 2014 to 2018
Our first coworking (shared office space and collaborative community) and meeting/event space was opened in a gorgeous loft in Downtown Port Huron, Michigan. Known for its vibrant colors, eclectic furniture, and ping pong meeting tables, we hosted groups and events from business functions to concerts and movie premieres to local- and state-government functions, even a wedding. Loft 912 operated in a leased space, so we finally closed it down after buying a nearby building that became The Roost. [News article about it here.]
Continue Marketing • Founder • 2004 to Present
Since 2004, Continue Marketing has been in the business of creating and building brands. From website devleopment and logo creation to social media marketing to immersive video experiences, we’ve had a hand in the storytelling that has reached customers worldwide.
In 2021, we discontinued all of those services to focus on doing the one thing we enjoy the most; empowering business leaders through the magic of Different Thinking.