The word that often comes to mind when people describe me is “Maverick.” My life’s journey has been about challenging expectations, turning every “no” into a resounding “yes.” At the age of 15, a diving accident in the Bahamas resulted in a C6 quadriplegic diagnosis. For many, this might seem like a life-altering limitation, but I saw it as a catalyst for transformation. That day, when I experienced drowning and clinical death for a brief 2.5 minutes, became a pivotal moment – surprisingly, one of the most positive and impactful days of my life.
This experience ignited an unyielding determination within me to shatter barriers. I climbed the corporate ladder, achieved the distinction of becoming the world’s only quadriplegic rescue scuba diver, and even completed an astonishing 12 marathons in 12 months. My story isn’t simply about passive inspiration; it’s about proactive action. It’s about discovering and utilizing “loopholes” to achieve success that surpasses the limitations imposed by others, and even those we place upon ourselves.
In 2021, I embarked on an exhilarating new chapter: Race Car driving. Living close to Lime Rock Park, a premier racing circuit in the country, combined with a lifelong passion for speed and a track-day experience gifted by my wife, Maggie, propelled me onto this thrilling path. Racing became more than just a sport; it became an embodiment of pure freedom. Once I’m strapped into my hand-controlled Porsche GT4 Cayman Clubsport MR race car, my wheelchair is left behind, and I compete on equal footing with every other driver. Since then, I’ve participated in prestigious series like International GT, SCCA, and the World Racing League, achieving podium finishes and unlocking incredible opportunities. These include appearances in Pennzoil commercials, becoming a brand ambassador for Volkswagen, and an exciting project set to launch in March.
Beyond the adrenaline of the race car track, I’ve cultivated a dynamic career as a marketing strategist, currently serving as Chief Marketing Officer at Aloqia. Throughout my career, I’ve held leadership positions with renowned firms such as Deloitte Consulting, J Walter Thompson, BBDO, and R/GA. I also co-founded the Just Hands Foundation, an organization dedicated to introducing adaptive athletes to the exhilarating worlds of performance driving and mountain biking. My endeavors, both in the boardroom and in the race car, are driven by a profound desire to motivate others. I aim to provide not just inspirational ideas but actionable strategies to overcome their own “wheelchairs,” whether visible disabilities or unseen mental barriers, and to transform challenges into personal superpowers.
Today, I reside in Sharon, CT, with Maggie and our dog, Beau, embracing life as an ongoing adventure. Through race car driving, public speaking, and sharing my personal narrative, my goal is to demonstrate that limitations are often self-imposed illusions. Whether facing a physical disability, grappling with PTSD, navigating complex relationships, striving for success in the corporate world, or confronting any other obstacle, the key is to identify the internal barriers, push beyond them, and wholeheartedly say “yes” to the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.
