Where did you grow up and what was your childhood like? Did you have any particular experiences/stories that shaped your adult life?

I grew up in Andover, MA. I struggled a lot with mental health and abused drugs and alcohol to the point I almost took my own life. Thankfully with the support of my family, I was able to overcome those dark times. Today, I am a big advocate for mental health.

What is something you wish you would’ve realized earlier in your life?

None of the stuff I cared about back then really matters.

What are bad recommendations you hear in your profession or area of expertise?

To be something I’m not.

Tell me about one of the darker periods you’ve experienced in life. How you came out of it and what you learned from it?

On my first bus tour, I cheated on my girlfriend of 3yrs. It destroyed me. I was cheated on by my first love and I promised myself I would never cause anyone to feel the pain I felt from that experience. After the tour, I stopped drinking for 4yrs and took the time to work on myself and rebuild my moral compass.

What is one thing that you do that you feel has been the biggest contributor to your success so far?

Practicing gratitude.

What is your morning routine? 

Wake up. Coffee. Walk the dog. Read my gratitude poem. Check emails. meditate.

What habit or behavior that you have pursued for a few years has most improved your life?

Reading a gratitude poem.

What are your strategies for being productive and using your time most efficiently?

Writing down the things I want to accomplish. Taking breaks when I don’t feel inspired.

What book(s) have influenced your life the most? Why?

The Way Of The Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman and The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. Both books have beautiful life lessons and I love going back and reading them every few years because I always learn something new that applies to my life at that moment.

Do you have any quotes you live by or think of often?

Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.