Consulting Leads To Many Different Destinations

Consulting is ideal if you’re wired for discovery and innovation. My own journey began in a family thoroughly immersed in real estate—practically every chapter of my life has revolved around buying, selling, and improving properties in some unique way. My father, who passed away last year at 93, owned five real estate offices in central Ohio. He led over three hundred residential brokers. I spent countless afternoons tagging along to open houses, learning the ropes firsthand.

Yet, for all his success, my dad was never a stereotypical hard-driving businessman. His secret was genuine connection: he immersed himself in the neighborhoods he served, assessed each community’s unique vibe, and always knew the local high school stats. He’d like to tell you about the best spots for lunch, or where to find a good mechanic. He built his career by building relationships—something I try to mirror in my own work.

The Evolution of Real Estate Spaces

Today, I’m continuing the tradition in my own way. After 15 years in corporate finance, I pivoted into real estate development and have now spent another 15 years designing, launching, and transforming projects.

Currently, I work at Urban Zen, Donna Karan’s lifestyle brand—a retail space that’s anything but typical. It’s exciting to help shape its expansion into a concept that blends sophisticated shopping with a vibrant, high-end restaurant. The branding approach is uniquely driven and echoes my father’s instinct. Great real estate isn’t just about the property; it’s about the life and energy that flows through it.

My daily work gives me front-row insight into the intersection of hospitality and retail, consumer experience and business outcomes. These skills are not only relevant—they’re essential for innovative real estate development, where the value is driven by design, operational excellence and authentic connections with the broader community.

Remembering What Matters

Growing up, weekends meant boating on Buckeye Lake at our cottage, flying over Ohio in my dad’s Cessna, or attending services at Glenwood Methodist—where both Dad and I went as children. Through it all, I absorbed lessons I now bring into every project: know your stakeholders, understand the heartbeat of a neighborhood, and never underestimate the power of local connections.

As the industry reinvents itself, I’m eager to bring my background, hands-on experience, and collaborative spirit to new opportunities. Whether working in consulting, development, or hospitality, leading with a love for community will always garner your success.