My fascination with technology dates back to my childhood in Chicago, where at the age of six, I was crafting flyers for the Cubs, Bears, and Bulls games using DOS and graphic programs. The allure of Apple II and the world of gaming had me hooked early on. In junior high, I pioneered digital art displays at our school's art fairs and was even instrumental in introducing my art teacher to the wonders of Adobe Photoshop. This penchant for technology led to an early foray into programming; I found myself learning C++ through a junior college program at the age of thirteen.
I pursued my passion formally at the University of Advancing Technology in Tempe, Arizona, graduating with a bachelor's degree in Multimedia and Game Design. Here, I immersed myself in the world of the Unreal Game Engines, honing skills in 3D Rigging, Animation, Texturing with 3D Max, and Motion Capturing.
Fresh out of college, I joined Midway Games in San Diego, making notable contributions to the iconic game, Mortal Kombat. This experience reinforced my belief in the significance of a robust online portfolio, an element I believe played a critical role in launching my career. Although drawn to the gaming world, my entrepreneurial spirit eventually steered me towards web and mobile app development. In 2006, I returned to Chicago, aligning with Obtiva, a hub for some of North America's most brilliant Ruby on Rails developers. This association was transformational, allowing me to collaborate with and learn from some of the brightest minds in Agile software development. The journey with Obtiva culminated in 2011 when Groupon acquired the firm.
My entrepreneurial journey began in earnest in 2007 with the establishment of my company, Web & Mobile Software. Two years later, I embedded my business within Obtiva, offering consultancy services. The allure of warmer climates eventually led me to relocate with my family to Naples, FL. Today, I collaborate remotely with a diverse range of clients, from startups to Fortune 100 behemoths. Miami has become a frequent meeting point for startup consultations, and if you're ever in the vicinity, I'm often at WeWork in Brickell.