I’ve spent the last 17 years answering to no one but my own vision. My entrepreneurial journey began at age 25 when I made a life-altering pivot, trading a seat in law school for the fast-paced world of a Greek restaurant. That decision, fueled by a blunt conversation with my father and a gut feeling that my future belonged in business rather than a courtroom, set the stage for a career defined by independence and a relentless drive to build something from the ground up.
Time in Industry:
3 years
Based out of:
Holly Springs, NC
I specialize in business management and development, with a focus on navigating the complexities of high-stakes environments. In my current role, I serve as the primary point of contact between our funding partners, their clients, and our lenders. I take pride in guiding every file through the funding process with clear communication and ongoing support, ensuring a seamless experience for everyone involved. I thrive on the challenge of entering a new industry, mastering its unique mechanics, and scaling it to success.
Over nearly two decades, I have built a diverse portfolio of successful ventures, including a gelato distribution center, a real estate brokerage, a catering company, and an accounting firm. While I was originally on the path to launch a specialized pasta sauce company—leveraging a vodka sauce recipe that beat every competitor in blind taste tests—the onset of COVID-19 led me to pivot my focus toward AFN. Whether I am managing a kitchen or a finance file, my career has been defined by the ability to adapt, lead, and execute under pressure.
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Business Management, which provided the academic foundation for my career as a serial entrepreneur. While my degree gave me the tools to understand the “how” of business, the last 17 years in the trenches have taught me the “why.” I believe that a combination of formal education and hands-on experience is what allows me to see opportunities where others see obstacles.
Outside of my professional life, I am a lifelong hockey player—I’ve been on the ice since I was five years old— and a dedicated dog lover. I am also an avid cook who believes the best leadership lessons come from the grit of the rink and the heat of the kitchen. My backyard is my sanctuary, featuring three grills, a giant smoker, a pizza oven, and a Blackstone griddle. Whether I’m perfecting a dish or competing on the ice, I bring the same intensity to my hobbies as I do to my businesses.
