Sommelier
It’s no secret that I have a passion for wine and fine dining. As a wine enthusiast turned Certified Sommelier, I love sharing my knowledge and passion for wine with others. Part of the adventure for me begins with understanding the types of wines, their composition, and what they pair best with to provide a complete experience with any meal.
The general rule of thumb for pairing the actual flavor of wine with food is based on the “like-with-like” philosophy, which teaches us to pair butter sauces with an oaky, buttery type of wine. Or, to pair salty, briny wines with seafood and red meat with red wine, etc.
That being said, I am a firm believer in making your own rules — drink what you like with what you like! For example, on Thanksgiving, a standard go-to is to choose a buttery Chardonnay to match the buttery turkey. However, I will often select a Pinot Noir or a Rhone blend to bring out the cranberry side of the dinner.
I write about wine on my blog frequently; below, you’ll find a selection of my recent articles.
Fitness
I believe
- In movement every day
- Abs are made in the kitchen
- Fitness is 90% nutrition
As a child, I played little league baseball. But as an overweight kid, I found myself spending most games sitting on the bench. And, I was bullied for my weight. Then, I saw the movie Rocky, which inspired me to become the underdog that beat the odds! I became passionate about surfing at age 16, and about weight training around age 20.
Now, I’ve been working out about 35 years. When I first started training 35 years ago, it was all about very heavy weights: basic movements like bench press, squats, and deadlifts. Today, after two shoulder surgeries and herniated back and neck discs, I have learned that moderate weight, great form and intensity are much better for my body. I plan to utilize this formula for the next 35 years! I have learned that fitness is a marathon, not a sprint.
Over the years I have developed an understanding of the value of life, work, family, fitness, and spiritual health. They are all intertwined for me. I also have seen too many people spend most of their life building wealth at the expense of their health, then the remaining years of their life spending their wealth trying to regain their health.
I have made a commitment to having the fullest life possible!
My workout routine is consistent; I work out every day. My morning workouts are what actually get me going for the day. My typical schedule includes 5 days per week of weight training, 1 day per week of cross/functional training (sled, boxing, ropes, crawls, etc.) and 1 day per week of outdoor stairs. This daily routine of mine has been a saving grace throughout the years!
Style should be simple, understated, and classic. Less is more.
As far back as I can remember, I was always particular about my wardrobe. I was taught that being polished in your physical presentation was a sign of respect to those around you. To this day, even though the status quo for work week apparel and beyond has drastically changed, I still choose to have a pulled together look, day in and day out. Especially in competitive industries, presentation is not only key, but it can be the ultimate deal breaker when working to close a deal. (For more on this, check out my blog post “Why I Wear What I Wear.”)
When it comes to clothing, I believe it’s all about the cut. Clothes must fit properly, from suits to jeans. Looking good in your clothing builds confidence and makes you feel good. Like most things in life, you get what you pay for and I believe it’s worth it to pay a little more for good quality clothing. Look at it as an investment in yourself!
Why I Wear, What I Wear
Even as a child, when I first started school, I was very particular about my clothes. By the time I was in college the TV show Dynasty was popular and they wore a lot of great suits. That, I think, was the light bulb for me to say “Yeah, that’s how I want to dress.”
Brand Ambassador
There’s nothing like the feeling of putting on a custom suit and knowing it fits perfect. It just gives me much more confidence as I prepare for my day. I also feel it is the respectful thing to do for my clients; it shows that I really care and that their money management is important to me.
b.spoke’s mission aligns perfectly with my clothing philosophy, which is why I am proud to be a brand ambassador. Owned by my long-time friend Dave Welch, b.spoke is the ultimate experience in custom-tailored clothing. From unparalleled fabrics born in the top mills all over the world to the details that will make your attire special, b.spoke will make you look and feel your best!