What inspired you to pursue work in this field?

I’ve always been fascinated by how things work. As a kid, I would take things apart just to see if I could put them back together. My dad worked in construction and woodworking, so I grew up learning how to build everything from bridges and schools to malls and houses. We also had a small farm where we raised cattle, horses and pigs, and grew most of our vegetables. My uncle taught me how to work on cars and engines, and I enjoyed helping him tear down and rebuild motors. My mom was very creative and inspired me to explore my artistic side — I taught myself to draw, paint and sculpt. Whether it’s fixing, creating or repairing, I’ve always been drawn to working with my hands and bringing ideas to life.

What past work history prepared you for Cordillera Ranch?

After relocating to Texas, I began working for Mr. Appliance, where I gained hands-on experience repairing a wide range of household appliances. In addition to that role, I provided appliance installation services for new construction projects and operated a sign shop, designing and producing custom signage and logos that can still be seen throughout the Hill Country. I later partnered with G. Morris Custom Homes, initially installing appliances and eventually joining their team to handle various repair projects. This led to my promotion as head of the warranty department. I also contributed to the construction of residential pools with Hanalei Pools. Beyond Texas, my professional background includes managing field operations in the dirt and oil industries of Oklahoma, serving as a data analyst and fiscal technician, and working in the Department of Corrections for the State of Washington. This diverse and hands-on work experience has equipped me with a broad skill set that I now apply daily at Cordillera Ranch.

What would your slogan be if you were a brand?

If I had to choose a personal motto, it might be: “Just figure it out.” It’s something I feel has defined much of my life. That mindset has pushed me to find solutions through persistence, creativity, and by approaching challenges from unique or unconventional angles — what some might call “thinking outside the box.”

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was younger, I dreamed of becoming a stuntman. There was something about the adrenaline, the precision and the daring nature of it all that completely captured my imagination. I used to picture myself leaping from buildings or performing high-speed car chases.

What is your favorite genre of music?

I enjoy all types of music, but my preferred genre is country. That said, my taste is pretty broad — I appreciate everything from classical and jazz to rap and heavy metal.

If you could time travel, where would you go?

If I had the chance, I think I’d want to make several stops throughout time. I’d love to see and reconnect with family I’ve lost, to witness firsthand what life was like during the settling of the West in the 1800s, or to experience the world as it was in the 1940s and ’50s. I’d even want to go back to the time when Jesus walked the earth, to truly understand the challenges and triumphs people faced during that era.

Who is your hero/mentor, and why?

My parents and my wife have had the greatest impact on my life. I’ve always admired my mom and dad in different ways — through the values they instilled in me and my siblings, and the example they set in how they lived and cared for others. My wife is one of the strongest, most inspiring people I’ve ever known, and I feel incredibly lucky to share my life with her. Over the years, there have been others I’ve looked up to, but without a doubt, these three have always stood at the top.

What is your favorite meal?

One of my all-time favorite meals has to be chicken-fried steak (or country-fried steak), served with creamy mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables and plenty of rich brown gravy. It’s my go-to comfort food, and whenever I’m trying out a new restaurant, this is usually the dish I order — it’s the perfect way to see how well they do the classics. 

What’s on your bucket list?

To restore a 1969 Dodge Charger. Visit every place my ancestors are from, such as the village in Italy where my grandfather was born, and find out where in Ireland my dad’s family originated. We could only trace them back to the Civil War.