I am an Orange County native and though I’ve moved away multiple times for college and various jobs I have always made my way back! You just can’t beat this place. I love to volunteer whether it is with church or an organization I am passionate about. I am a founding member of the Orange County Chapter for Millennials In Travel, I served on the Alumni Board for Concordia University Irvine and was the inaugural Chair for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Young Professional program, Tomorrow’s Leaders.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My wife, Brice, is a former stand-up comedienne and Improv actress. We enjoy playing board games, card games, and walking at the harbor or along the beaches of OC. We have a rescue dog named Cody who is a Shephard mix, although the shelter told us he was a Terrier!
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I’m currently the Director of Leisure and Business Travel at Balboa Bay Resort, an iconic establishment here in Newport Beach. Having grown up in Orange County, I was aware of the BBRC and the history, but it wasn’t until I began working here that I learned how wonderful it truly is. Meeting new people from around the globe is my favorite part of the job and helping others experience our slice of heaven brings a smile to my face.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention A+O Restaurant right here at Balboa Bay Resort, you can’t beat being right on the water watching the magnificent yachts come and go. A few other favorites are Bear Flag Fish Co, Gulfstream and Todos Santos on Balboa Island.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Grew up in OC! Attended church at St. Andrews starting around 2016 and began working at Balboa Bay Resort in 2024.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Grew up loving Seinfeld, still have it on in the background when I need some white noise, inevitably end up quoting the episode in my head. Top Gun has always been my favorite movie and my nickname in volleyball was… Maverick!
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Life is too short to go through not laughing and having fun! Never lose your inner child and enjoy life.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Next on our bucket list is: Spain, Portugal, Costa Rica. We love exploring new places and try not to go back to the same cities before experiencing new ones and new cultures.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Richard Branson! The man has accomplished so much and has the most down-to-earth personality, never letting success go to his head and never resting on his laurels. I’m thinking some nice drinks on top of the new RH Ocean Grill in Fashion Island.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
There are so many unique shops and small mom and pop stores around along with the new up-and-coming/ trendy stores. It’s a great melting pot!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Hopefully traveling the world with a home base here on the coast!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
My father, brother and I are all Eagle Scouts. I lived in Shanghai, China for 1.5 years teaching English.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Peanut Butter Shake at the Crystal Cove Shake Shack
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My dad and grandpa have always been amazing role models on how a man should act.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, Comfort, Laughter