Blog
Thoughts on building, learning, and creating. Written as I figure things out.

2025 Was a Solid Year for Connecting with People
2025 was a solid year for connecting with people. I attended 27 in-person events and had 48 virtual coffee chats. I even started hosting events myself for VetsinTech!

AI Can Take Your Job, but Don't Let It Take Your Identity
As AI starts replacing tasks and jobs, some people are going to lose their sense of self. I’ve seen this before. When I transitioned out of the military, my identity was tied to the mission. My team depended on me to execute, no matter what. Even a year of "transitioning" didn't prepare me to separate who I was from the purpose that had been drilled into me.

Saying no to the things you love and are important to you is the hardest part of midlife.
I'm in my mid-30s, starting the midlife squeeze, and it has been humbling. **My mind is constantly running between** - Being a good and reliable husband - Raising 2 kids, and being a present parent - Taking care of my own health - Helping my aging parents

Why did I feel some shame and guilt when listening to music created by AI?
Nothing like starting the day with a bit of shame and guilt after realizing how much you were vibing to AI music, then questioning AI’s role in that feeling.
My process for solving any problem for the past 10 years
My process for solving any problem for the past 10 years: 1. Understand the problem 2. Timebox my solutions 3. As...

Why I moved my site from Ghost to a custom stack
Revamping my personal website 2026W2

2025 Book List Recap
I ended up notching 32 books in 2025, across my Kindle, physical books, and audiobooks.
Are certifications woth it in tech?
## So are certificates like Comptia A+ or Certified Scrum Master worth it? Well, It depends. The value of certificatio...

Why do I have a shot glass and redbull bottlecaps on my desk?
A view of my actual desk. So, am I drinking Redbull and vodka all day? No, but great guess though.
How to find Startup Jobs
A quick guide to finding startup jobs that you won't find in LinkedIn.
🇺🇸 Want the American Dream? That will be $4.4m, please
Well atleast according to the 2024 Investopedia report.

Layoffs and How I Approach It
I'm fortunate enough that I haven't been part of a layoff, but that doesn't mean I won't get laid off. > At the end o...

11 things I would say to the young 22-year-old E4 with no degree or job lined up, if I saw him today
Today marks 11 years of getting out of the US Army. Here are some lessons learned
The Power of Building in Public
Discover how building in public can transform your approach to product development and community building.