I have a degree in Operations Research and attended “The” Ohio State University. I also had the opportunity to participate in a Manufacturing Management program and the University of Virginia’s Darden Business School.
I served in the Army and spent most of my time stationed with the 84th Artillery Battalion in Heilbron, Germany. I was awarded the Army Commendation Medal.
I became interested in woodworking and developed some reasonable skill. I invested in some good precision tools from Festool. Early projects were small with items such as jewelry boxes. I completed a few nice furniture projects and did a complete remodel of our kitchen replacing all of the cabinet doors and drawer fronts. I also made built-in cabinets for our study. Since our recent move I no longer have the space for a workshop and given that I still have all of my fingers I thought it best to move on to safer pursuits.
My career was very rewarding and I am thankful for all of the wonderful co-workers who supported and “tolerated” me. My early years were in manufacturing management and was responsible for managing three facilities located in Ohio and Pennsylvania.
I spent a number of years in management consulting with clients including Ford Motor Company, Boise Cascade, Kraft General Foods and the Department of Veterans Affairs. My most memorable engagement was leading Ford’s In-Line Vehicle program in the late 1980s.
My final twenty years were with the University of Texas. I led the implementation of PeopleSoft at UT Health Houston and later served at the Chief Procurement Officer there. That effort included the implementation of eProcurement. I served in the same role at the Austin campus and ultimately finished at UT System Administration.
I have also had a passion about computer technology. I have been involved in the implementation of several enterprise-wide ERP systems. As a consultant I used simulation modeling techniques to identify significant opportunities for process improvement for clients.
My first computer was a Commodore 64 and I purchased Apple’s first computer when it was released. As an Apple “fan-boy” I use my iMac, iPhone, iPad and most recently acquired an Apple Watch
I have always been an early adopter when it comes to technology both personally and professionally. The approach often introduces risk of both criticism and even failure. However, I have been lucky to affiliate with some very talented technology wizards along the way. Quite the journey.
I have enjoyed several interesting hobbies along the way.
My father taught me the game of golf when I was twelve. I still enjoy the game but the time commitment is a bit of a barrier. Too many golfers and play is often very slow. I played in several tournaments when I was in my teens and early twenties and actually won a couple. I have played at Harbor Town, Pebble Beach, Kiawah Island and several of the TPC courses around the country.
One of my favorite memories is having pared the 8th hole at Pebble Beach which at the time was recognized as one of the toughest holes in golf.
My continuing passion is photography. I once shared a darkroom with a friend and we went through all of the timely (and messy) processes of developing rolls of film and printing images.
Most of my images are landscapes and travel photos. I invested in a Canon Pro-1 printer which is capable of print up to 13x19 inches. I use archival quality papers from Canson and Hanemuhle. I make my own frames and cut my own mats. It is quite satisfying to see my work hanging on the wall.
I am working to add a new photo gallery on this website. I have been selling prints online for some time with limited success. I am revisiting my approach as the technology is much better for both the photographer and the art lover/collector. I hope you find my new Gallery offering to be user friendly and seamless. Please visit the Gallery and provide any feedback you might have.
My pathway in life has been interesting. I am happily retired and my wife and I built our “forever home” a couple of years ago. We enjoy traveling and have visited visited Asia and Europe. We have enjoyed traveling around the U.S. in our RV. I have fulfilled one of my bucket list items of having visited all 50 states.