Graduated in 1996 with a Computer Engineering degree; spent 6 months in Chicago in a rotational leadership training program at Roosevelt University before returning to Cleveland.
Spent a 18 months at Ecotran Software and a year at Progressive Insurance in software support roles while assisting with the SPE Alumni Board.
Decided to advance the career by getting an MBA; enrolled at the University of Texas, Austin, while enjoying Tex-Mex, big school football, and a reserve role on the graduate rugby team. Interned during the summer of 2000 at Cisco Systems in San Jose, CA.
After finishing school in 2001, returned to the midwest, taking a position with General Motors in Privacy and Legal IT support. Received the Chairman’s award for a project allowing data sharing between GM’s US and European affiliates. Was downsized a year later (you win some, you lose some).
Returned to Cleveland in 2005; while looking for a job, attended a grad rugby alumni game in Austin; lost half of a cornea during the game and spent the rest of the year unemployed, milking the (one month) recovery and planning the 10 year SPE reunion.
Started with Xpress Loan Software in 2006 managing a group of data analysts; due to changes in the Federal Student Loan program, XLS went belly up in 2011. (Coincidentally, Ecotran was on the brink of insolvency when I left, and ended up selling to Trapeze Software. GM went through bankruptcy, and both Progressive and Cisco were hit in the stock crash of 2001). Got out just before things hit bottom, and left for Columbus. Found a position with Nationwide Insurance as a data scientist, and nine years of stability in central Ohio.
I keep in shape with some distance running, mud/obstacle runs, and more recently short course triathlons (hoping to make the Cleveland tri this summer, and swim in the harbor by the Rock Hall). I also get in a lot of family time with my brother and sisters’ kids (11 total). I do a little hiking out west, enjoy annual (or more) trips to bet on the Indians in Vegas, and try to make it to an OSU game each year.