37; Community Development & Strategic Storytelling
I <3 RUNNING: Running gives me something hard to find when you’re a husband, father, and serial entrepreneur: uninterrupted time to think. Some of my best ideas, biggest decisions, and most honest self-assessments have happened on a run. It’s cheaper than therapy, and the parking is free.
UP NEXT: I’m running the Lane Purser Memorial Road Race Series and the Half for St. Jude Memphis Marathon® Weekend this December. I’m also raising $750 for St. Jude.
FAV FITNESS ACCOMPLISHMENT: Becoming the healthiest version of myself while simultaneously raising a young family, building businesses, and leading teams. Fitness used to be something I squeezed in when life permitted. Now it’s non-negotiable.
HOMETOWN: Memphis, TN
SPEED BUMPS: Time. Between family and work, it is remarkably easy to put yourself last and call it sacrifice. Learning to prioritize my health without feeling like I’m taking something from my family or my work — that’s been the real journey.
MY GROUP: I run independently, but I stay connected to 901 Run Club, Sea Isle Runners, and Daddy Stroller Social Club Memphis. Running is one of those rare sports where the community makes you better even when nobody’s racing anybody.
FAV JAMS: The Rocky IV soundtrack.
RECENT RACES: I recently ran in the Sea Isle Park 5K and completed my first half marathon at the Memphis in May Great American River Run.
MOST MEMORABLE FITNESS EVENT: St. Jude Marathon Weekend this past December. Running for a cause bigger than yourself changes the math on hard miles. I also hit a personal best in the 10K that day.
DREAM DINNER COMPANY: Robert Church Sr. I want to talk about institution building, economic empowerment, and what it takes to create something in Memphis that outlasts a single lifetime.
GO-TO GEAR: My Apple Watch, a solid pair of running shoes, Shokz headphones, Honey Stinger gels, and Feetures socks.
INSPIRATION TO BE FIT: A ski trip humbled me into a lifestyle change. I watched other dads carrying their skis and their kids’ skis, yet still outpacing everyone on the mountain, while I was genuinely tired just walking in the snow. I remember thinking: I want to be the dad who keeps up, not the dad who needs a break. I want to show other men that you can still build yourself physically while building a career and raising kids.
ON MY NIGHTSTAND: “The Trusted Advisor” by David H. Maister and “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. One changed how I think about relationships and earning trust over time, and the other reminded me that consistency is the whole game. Turns out they’re basically saying the same thing, but from different angles.
PET PEEVE: Pace shaming. Bodies are different. Runs are different. Do you.
QUOTE: “Fortune favors the bold.” – Virgil
Photo by Tindall Stephens
