Ever since attending an "architect camp" when I was 13 years old I wanted to be an architect. Life took a different turn for me and I find myself very content as a cloud security architect (among many other hats). I began as a LAMP and JEE web developer, grew into a Linux system administrator, and was forced into a role of a security engineer (thanks to a few data breaches). I spent the first 12 years of my career commuting between Milwaukee and Chicago where I was a consultant to the City's technology department and worked for a great technology company. I made an attempt to work closer to home in WI; however, the short commute could not overpower the desire to work in the City. I am now back in Chicago and couldn't be happier.

I'm "self-taught" in that my career grew as I accepted challenges and solved problems. I've spent many sleepless nights trying to configure, compile, and search for that mysterious root cause and enjoy sharing what I've learned.

As I get older I'm trying to finish school at DePaul University and enjoy photography when I have the time. There's something special about sitting still in a spot and waiting to see nature do something unexpected or capturing moments when your kids are putting in 100% of their effort at a sport.

If you're heading to Chicago from WI keep an eye out, you may see me on the road.