What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?
I entered the profession in 2004 following the completion of my graduate studies.
Where did you grow up?
Battle Creek, Michigan
Growing up, what did you want to be?
Growing up, my interests and my studies focused primarily on the sciences. While I always had a fascination with architecture and real estate, I never would have anticipated that those curiosities would shape my professional path and lead to a career in real estate.
What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
Spending time outdoors is essential for me. Whether it is being on the water, visiting the beach or simply enjoying Naples’ natural surroundings, it helps reset my perspective and maintain balance.
If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
If granted the opportunity to meet any well-known figure, I would chose Leonardo DaVinci. He embodied the rare assemblage of scientific expertise, inventive genius and artistic mastery. I would be fascinated to hear his reflections on the subjects he explored as well as how he might interpret the evolution of society through the lens of his worldview. I would be particularly curious to know how today’s technological and cultural landscape compares with what he might have envisioned and how he would imagine the world progressing over the next century, five centuries or even a millennium.
Where is South Florida’s best-kept secret?
Naples has become synonymous with luxury real estate, sugar sand beaches, yachting, world class healthcare systems and exceptional dining and shopping. Yet, in addition to those well known attributes, the region offers something more extraordinary: Within minutes and with great ease, one can travel just south and southeast of Naples to some of the most spectacular estuarine waterways and barrier islands – places so pristine, untouched and undeveloped, they feel like another world or, perhaps, another era altogether.
What do you love most about the industry?
I have the great honor and privilege of working with some of the world’s most successful, kind, generous and humble individuals. The Naples community is most unique when considering the incredible concentration of affluence, not defined by its ostentation, but instead by grace, discretion and a deeply rooted spirit of philanthropy.
What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
One of the most demanding aspects of this profession is managing the inherent complexity of ultra-high-end transactions while consistently delivering the precision and dedication that customers at this level rightfully expect. In the realm of ultra luxury properties, even the slightest nuance can carry significant consequences. Every decision must be considered carefully and executed flawlessly. Our unwavering commitment to detail is not merely a standard, but a responsibility. A responsibility that demands constancy, discipline, responsiveness and measured, thoughtful counsel at every stage of the process.
What’s your best advice for generating new leads?
Prioritize relationships and commit to being the most informed and authoritative voice within your area of expertise. In the long run, consistency, integrity, diligence and enduring trust will always outperform momentary success or transactional ambition.
What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to lately?
Reading is integral to my evening “wind down” process. Over the past year, I have enjoyed a wide range of genres from enduring classics such as Walden and East of Eden to contemporary fiction, such as Remarkably Bright Creatures or All the Colors of the Dark, as well as biographies or historical narratives ranging from Elon Musk, Gulf, or The Gales of November. I am currently reading Range, by David Epstein, a recent recommendation from a close childhood friend.
What’s your favorite meal in South Florida?
I enjoy fresh seafood and often gravitate toward the daily fish special, knowing it typically reflects the freshest local catch and evolves with the day’s offerings. I appreciate the opportunity to experience a changing variety of seasonal, locally sourced seafood.
Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in South Florida?
Architecturally, I’m most drawn to residences that are conceived in harmony with their surroundings, particularly those that fully embrace special water views, light and the natural landscape. To me, the relationship between a structure and its setting is everything. I don’t view landscape architecture as secondary; the gardens, terraces, hardscape and approach to the home profoundly shape the overall experience. When the structural facet of a property and the surrounding grounds are built in concert, the result is not just a beautiful residence, but a true sense of place.
What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on the job?
Throughout my career, I’ve encountered more than a few unusual or “weird” moments, yet a consistent lesson has emerged: Never judge a book by its cover. Many of the most interesting and unexpected experiences have stemmed from situations in which my initial assumptions about a person or circumstance were completely overturned. Time and again, I have been reminded that reality often defies expectation and that the most surprising moments are born from those very misjudgments!
What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I often say, “My daily schedule is not my own.” Of course, I have a great deal of autonomy with regard to setting and/or taking certain appointments, but as a real estate broker, my schedule does, in fact, depend on the availability and desired meeting times of my customers. Contrary to that sporadic nature of my “work” schedule, I am very much a creature of habit. I rise early and begin each day with exercise. I have found the early morning to be the only window of time that allows for true consistency before the demands of my work and personal life take hold. Just as intentional is my evening wind-down routine, which I treat as a disciplined transition into rest mode. I tend to operate through systems and checklists; while not rigid by design, my routines naturally become ingrained habits, reflecting a structured approach to both time and responsibilities.
What’s your favorite vacation spot and why?
While I’ve never felt a strong need to “escape” Naples for a vacation, when I do travel, I’m drawn to destinations that feel distinctly different from home. I’ve been fortunate to spend meaningful time in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, which I consider one of the most remarkable mountain communities in the country. Beyond the fact that several of my wife’s and my childhood friends now live there, it holds personal significance because it represents such a striking contrast to Naples. The mountainous terrain encourages entirely different forms of recreation, the climate offers a refreshing change in temperature, and the Western lifestyle is an interesting contrast to the coastal, beach-oriented way of life in Naples.
In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Place customers’ interests first, constantly pursue mastery, and act with integrity.
Who are your favorite people to follow on social media?
I don’t use social media personally, so I don’t actively follow any particular people. On the rare occasion that I log in and check my accounts and find myself scrolling, it has tended to revolve around snow skiing content.

