I am a fourth generation Kirkwoodian. Kirkwood runs through my veins. I have built my life in 63122.

I am a Kirkwood Pioneer. A Mizzou Tiger. A Missouri State Bear. I am The Show-Me State.

My family is my “why”, especially my grandparents, my parents, and my siblings.

I didn’t grow up privileged or connected. I grew up in a two-bedroom, one-bath house with parents who worked hard and expected me to do the same. At 13 years old, I started cutting lawns around Kirkwood. At 14 I got a worker’s permit and worked at McDonald’s on Kirkwood Road. I was a lifeguard at Kirkwood Pool through the rest of high school.

I learned early that nothing is handed to you. You show up. You work. You keep your word.

I worked my way through college. I’ve lived a real life: working long hours, building small businesses, and getting my hands dirty. Like a lot of folks, I’ve made mistakes. I’ve failed. I’ve struggled.

I don’t wear adversity as a badge of honor. But I do believe we deserve leaders who understand real life — people who are by the people, in the people, of the people, and for the people. Not insulated. Not entitled. Not manufactured. And while there’s nothing wrong with Ivy-League, it’s just not real life for average Americans. 

I’ve started businesses from scratch, including in real estate. I’ve worked as a nurse, and now I am a nurse practitioner with a practice helping patients lift themselves out of the darkest points in their lives. I’ve fought for patients, even when our broken health care system failed them.

A defining belief for me, something my grandfather always told me is this: It’s easier to be honest 100% of the time than 99% of the time.

That’s the kind of integrity we should expect from the people we elect.

I’ll be the first to say: I haven’t always gotten that right in my life. I’m not a perfect person. But I strive to be a man of integrity.

And in public office, that means something very clear: I will not be owned by the political donor class, the elites, or the insiders. I will not be corrupted by the system.

Politics does not get better simply by switching parties. If we keep electing people who are focused on their team’s victories, the outcome will always be the same. The only way we fix this, even though it will be difficult, is by choosing leaders who are accountable, accessible, and grounded in the communities they serve.

I am deeply invested in this community because this community built me. I’ve lived here. Worked here. Failed here. Succeeded here. Served here. My roots are here.

I’m not here to make big promises I can’t keep. I won’t pretend to be perfect. I will fight for Missourians like I’ve fought for myself, my family, and my patients. I’m guided by the belief that we must all learn to do good and to seek justice (Isaiah 1:17). I will be present, accessible, and honest every step of the way.

We’ve had enough of rubber stamp, establishment politicians who don’t share our values and are only interested in serving themselves.

I’m running to break the cycle of self-serving politics and to bring Missouri the kind of leadership we deserve.

Let’s get to work!