My journey began in 1973, born to a modest, middle-income family on one of the beautiful beaches of North Carolina.  I developed my strong character and education by excelling as a top-ten honors student in high school, followed by becoming one of only two persons in the entire school to attend Wake Forest University.  At this top U.S. private university, I broadened my knowledge and love for all aspects of history and communications.  My life has come full circle, leading me back to Wake Forest where I am currently enhancing my knowledge of Business and Social Entrepreneurship.

I constantly strive to be honest and fair in all of my approaches.  I excel by listening to all sides of a point of view before making my own unique conclusions.  I work hard to lift myself up in society without relying on others.  I also believe in being fair and accountable to all people that I meet, whether as friends, co-workers, or business associates.  Finally, I am willing to do anything I ask of others, and am always someone who will put my faith, word and reputation behind my actions.  I may not always succeed, but I build upon any stumbles to contribute to the betterment of my life, my friends, and my community.

Professionally, my career path has been exciting and educational.  Beginning in college, I have developed my media career to include almost 15 years as a radio broadcaster.  In that time, I’ve also managed those businesses and staff, leading them to continued success.  In my first management position, I led our team at Jammin' 99.9 FM to #1 market ratings for two years in a row, in a market (Wilmington, North Carolina) where everyone believed our format would fail miserably.  In my second management position I was able to bring vibrant promotions and increased listenership to our station (Z99 – Grand Cayman), along with the construction of a brand new station and the first of its kind in Grand Cayman (Rooster 101).  Since then, I have consulted and contributed to the success of other stations and continue my love of the industry.

My love of journalism also developed over the past 15 years, and I have contributed numerous articles to different publications such as newspapers, film industry magazines, online e-magazines, and more.  I started by contributing several articles for Encore Magazine based in Wilmington, NC.  These included an exclusive series on a local artist that was secretly bringing in a variety of superstar classic rock talent to record a potential breakthrough album. This included rare interviews with Mitch Mitchell (drummer for Jimi Hendrix), Jack Bruce (bassist for Cream), Gregg Allman (Allman Brothers), Ken Hensley (Uriah Heep), members of the Band of Gypsys, the Alice Cooper Group, and more!

I also had the unique opportunity to contribute to Reel Carolina, a film industry magazine for the Carolinas. Covering several symposiums and on-location shoots, I was exposed to high profile film biz players, including Frank Capra, Jr., Jade and Drew Barrymore, Katie Holmes, Danny Glover, David E. Kelly, and more. In total, while in Wilmington alone, I wrote for two local print papers, a regional print magazine, and four other online magazines, all at the same time!

Writing has always been a fundamental asset to my career, from simple radio scripts to full-scope business and marketing plans.  Contributing to publications provides a very rewarding challenge! I have contributed extensively to the Orlando Tribune, achieving cover stories and features for every issue.  I covered regional and local government news, policies, politics and other headlines that make up the pulse of Central Florida.  Currently, I contribute feature articles and columns to The Griffin Report of Food Marketing, covering the food, beverage, c-store and petroleum industries nationwide.

I have also developed my own company named DRG Media.  From this virtual structure, I provide quality freelance copywriting, web design and content management, commercial scripting and voicing, broadcast consulting, internet and affiliate product marketing, traditional marketing materials and logistics.  My goal is to maximize every creative talent in my possession and offer it to the good of friends, business associates and the community.

Upcoming Goals/Projects:

2010 - Completion of BA degree at Wake Forest University - History major along with a double minor in Political Science and Entrepreneurship & Social Enterprise.

2011 - Pursuit of MBA (or joint JD/MBA) with concentration in Entrepreneurship.  Location: Wake Forest University Calloway School of Business (tentative/pending)

2013 - Pursuit of MPP (Masters in Public Policy).  Location: Washington, DC area (tentative)

Once these degrees are completed, I intend to pivot into state and national politics.  It is my desire to restore statesmanship to our national government, to press for concrete and positive changes in domestic policies.  These include developing strong platforms for:

While my convictions have been building for some time, recent actions are directly inspired by the loss of my father to acute leukemia in the summer of 2008.  After seeing some of the deficiencies that exist for patients and their families, I believe I can combine all of my knowledge and experience and focus it for a cause greater than my self.

Whether it is business ventures or entrepreneurship, social and community involvement, politics, radio, television, film, journalism, consulting, marketing, promotions, public relations or creative services, I stay ready to take on each and every new challenge.