Who do you call as soon as you hear good news?

My wife. She’s my biggest cheerleader and best friend. Then I call my parents and sisters.

My parents and sisters have always been my rock throughout my whole life. I tell them everything—good and bad—and I never have to worry about what they may think, how they’ll act, or if they’ll judge me because everything has always been real with us.

What’s something you’re really proud of?

My family. My wife is my everything, and I couldn’t imagine being on this crazy roller coaster with anyone else.. And, my two boys (Cash and Caden), who have both taken on different personalities from both of us. They are just the most fun and best boys.

I’m proud of the life and family we’ve built, and how they’ve adapted to new surroundings. Even though each move we’ve made has been very calculated, moving to new cities is hard. They’ve all acclimated very well, made new friends, and have great memories at each stop.

Other than my family, I’m proud of playing Division I basketball and earning a Ph.D. in higher education administration.

I played at the University at Buffalo, where I had the best experiences as a student-athlete. I learned discipline, the extent to which I could push myself—both mentally and physically—how to lead, how to find balance in life and how to prepare for the real world.

How do you like spending time with friends and/or family?

Anything sport-related—going on walks, wine tasting, being on the water, at the pool, watching movies and just spending as much time as I can with my wife and two boys. Basketball is our family’s favorite sport, but Angela, Cash and Caden have all taken up golf, so it’s been fun to get them involved in one of my true passions.

I got interested in sports from my dad, and luckily, my wife loves sports too. It’s something our boys have really gravitated toward and are starting to enjoy almost as much as we do. Being part of a team, learning how to win and lose, realizing there aren’t always immediate results or gratification, and that you have to work hard to get the outcomes you want—those are just a few of the lessons sports teach.

Who’s someone (mentor) who has had a significant impact on your life/career?

Other than my parents, my mentor in college, Dr. Bill Barba, has had the greatest impact on my life. I would not be where I am today without him.

Dr. Barba and I were paired through a student-athlete/faculty mentoring program at UB. He helped me through a lot of tough times. He pushed me to get my master’s and then my Ph.D., and he’s always someone I call for advice. He gives me a different view on things, phrases things in a way that makes sense, and helps me see the bigger picture.

Also, former bosses Shawn Heilbron, Joyce Matthews, Rocky Harris and Dr. James Hurley are important mentors in my life.

Have you traveled to any interesting places?

Hawaii and Cabo are my favorite places to visit.  I am a beach person, I love the food there and I am able to fully relax there.