I was born in Pensacola, FL in 1971, but my family soon moved to a picturesque rural town called Romance, Arkansas. Yes, it’s a real place! Growing up on our 1500-acre ranch, I learned the value of hard work early on. By the age of 15, I was driving tractors, raking hay, and assisting my father with the day-to-day operations of our farm.
Education brought me to the nearby town of Rose Bud, where I attended school alongside 600 students from kindergarten through 12th grade. In our close-knit community, where everyone was considered middle-class, we lived by the principle of helping one another without hesitation. Whether it was giving a neighbor a ride or lending a hand on a project, mutual support was ingrained in our daily lives.
Romance itself was a quintessential small town, boasting little more than a stop sign, a general store that doubled as the local post office, and four churches. Sundays were a highlight as we gathered in our humble white cinder block church, cherishing any Sunday where attendance reached 40. Despite our modest surroundings, I never felt lacking because our community thrived on cooperation and unity.
My childhood was enriched by involvement in the Boy Scouts, where camping trips and national events allowed me to explore different parts of the country and cultivate lifelong friendships.
After graduating from high school in Rose Bud, Arkansas, I pursued higher education at the University of Central Arkansas, where I studied Business and Political Science. Equipped with a solid academic foundation, I embarked on a career in management, leveraging my leadership skills to drive growth and foster effective teamwork within various companies.
My career path eventually led me back to my birth state of Florida, where I spent nearly two decades honing my managerial abilities. Throughout this time, I frequently visited friends in Dallas, Texas, and in 2018, I made the decision to relocate permanently. Initially settling in Dallas, I stumbled upon the charming town of Rowlett during a drive to Rockwall. Captivated by its appeal, my family and I decided to make Rowlett our new home three years ago.
Since settling in Rowlett three years ago, my family and I have found immense joy in contributing to and strengthening our community. We've dedicated ourselves to various initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life in Rowlett. Volunteering with local food pantries through our church and participating in Rowlett Strong to support and honor our first responders are just a few ways we've sought to give back.
Believing in the importance of nurturing the next generation, we joined Kiwanis to actively contribute to creating a brighter future for youth in our community. Additionally, we launched our own business, Tree of Life Olive Oil, which has not only allowed us to pursue our entrepreneurial passions but also to contribute to Rowlett's economic growth.
Recognizing the pivotal role of small businesses in community vitality, I am an active supporter and advocate within the Rowlett Area Chamber of Commerce. I firmly believe that fostering the success of small businesses is fundamental to ensuring sustainable economic development and a thriving community.
Living in Rowlett has been a fulfilling journey, and we look forward to continuing our efforts to make our town an even stronger and more vibrant place to live, work, and play.