As a proud alumnus of Chicago’s Lane Tech, where hands-on shop classes instilled in me the value of technical skill and real-world learning, I later pursued engineering studies at Wilbur Wright College and Northeastern Illinois University, with a minor in Behavioral Psychology. I began my career as a marketing research analyst at Ernst & Young (EY) before moving into product design at Motorola, where my work earned me several design patents. My skills were further recognized when I served as the lead engineer on a $22 million telecommunications infrastructure project for the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority. In 2002, I followed my passion for history and craftsmanship by starting an architectural historic restoration business—a venture I have also shared with others through hands-on workshops at national preservation conferences aimed at architects and skilled trade professionals.

My dedication to service extends to local government and community organizations. I have served on the McHenry County Historic Preservation Commission and on the Board of Directors for the Preservation Trades Network, a national nonprofit dedicated to traditional building trades. My practical approach has also driven efforts to improve local public transportation, including playing a key role in securing state funding for the Chicago-to-Rockford Amtrak (now to be Metra) passenger service. Since 2022, I have focused on eliminating sales taxes on essential items like food, medicine, and medical appliances—a commitment that helped lead to the elimination of the state portion of the grocery tax in 2024, easing the burden on working families.

Alongside my wife Nancy, with whom I built our home, pioneer-style, in the Marengo area in 1989 and raised two children, I continue to work diligently for the betterment of my community. My life reflects a blend of technical expertise, historic preservation, and a deep, humble commitment to ensuring that progress benefits all.