I’m a dad first, and that’s a title I take seriously. My kids—Edward, Maria, and Esme—are the heart of everything I do. They each have their own strengths, their own ways of seeing the world, and they challenge me to be better every day. I also have a stepdaughter, Alicia Gubalke, who’s been a part of my life for many years. Watching all of them grow into strong, thoughtful individuals has been one of the most meaningful parts of my journey.

I was married for several years, and though that chapter ended in divorce, it brought me my children—and for that, I’ll always be grateful. Raising kids through life’s ups and downs hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been real, and it’s been worth it. Everything I’ve built, every project I pursue, is in some way connected to giving them a life they can be proud of.

I didn’t take the traditional route into journalism—I didn’t have a degree, just a strong work ethic and a belief that stories matter. I landed my first reporting job by convincing an editor to give me a shot, and I ran with it. Investigative reporting became my focus—uncovering what others missed, asking tough questions, and putting in the kind of work that earned multiple awards from the Nebraska Press Association.

Eventually, I shifted from chasing leads in small towns to writing for a much different audience. I moved into corporate journalism, traveling the country and producing internal newsletters for major railroad companies. The work was different, but the mission stayed the same: tell stories that inform, connect, and carry weight. Whether I was covering leadership changes, safety innovations, or employee spotlights, I treated every assignment with the same level of care and curiosity. Journalism taught me how to listen, how to write with clarity, and how to find meaning in the details—skills I’ve carried with me into every new chapter.

After years in the field as a steamfitter, I made the decision to transition into real estate—not because I didn’t love the trades, but because life shifted. As a single father of three, I needed more time with my kids, and the demanding schedule of construction made that nearly impossible. At the same time, managing my Crohn’s disease in that environment became increasingly difficult. I wanted a career that still let me serve people and solve problems—but with more flexibility and balance.

That’s when I found real estate, and I’ve never looked back. I specialize in veteran and senior transitions, helping them and their families navigate some of life’s biggest changes with clarity and compassion. I’m part of the Nebraska Real Estate Specialty Group of Nebraska Realty, where we provide full-service support for downsizing, relocating, aging in place, and more. Whether I’m helping a veteran secure the right loan, guiding a family through probate, or hosting our Savvy Senior Empowerment Seminars, my goal is simple: help people feel supported, informed, and confident every step of the way.