"I consider anyone that I have a deep connection or bond "family". A connection built upon the foundation of trust and love, sustained by common passions and mutual respect. I will do almost anything for these people as I know they would do the same thing for me."
Reason for Moving to Portland:
I fell in love with the Northwest during a visit with my really good (arguably best) friend-Lee. At the time, my wife-Jayme-and I were looking for a city to start a family. From the accounts of my trip, I was able to convince her to consider the NW. Within a year, we moved to Portland, bought a place, got a dog, and got pregnant with our daughter: Zoey.
Most Important Person in Your Life:
My wife--because she's amazing, puts up with me, and gave me the other most important person in my life-Zoey
Most Important to You in Life:
-Relationships
-Making a difference in people's lives
3 Words that Describe You:
-Friendly
-From Sarah: Intense
-From Francois: Efficiently boundless determined creativity
Your Inspiration:
An inspiration that has recently been driving me is my dad. During his funeral, hundreds of people came up to me to say a few kind words. Initially, I didn't really welcome the kind gesture. Considering the situation, I viewed the interaction as formality. However, as I listened to the stories about how my dad impacted their lives-helping and pushing them to go through school, getting them their first job, getting them their second job, saving their life (he's a surgeon), helping them financially, making them laugh, getting them through a tough time-I began to realize the impact my father had on a lot of people. His funeral was in Quezon City, Philippines and droves of people came from all over the world to pay their respect. One after another, a different story and another difference my dad made. I look at my own life so far and I'm a little embarrassed how self-centered I've led it. But now, thanks to my dad, I'm inspired. I keep these stories close to my heart and use them as a compass on how to lead a more meaningful life.
Your Personal Philosophy:
-"You decide on your own level of involvement"
-"You have the ability to have a positive impact on everyone you meet"
Biggest Accomplishment in Your Life:
Hands down, being a father-easy answer I know, but right now, I can't think of anything more important than raising my loud, crazy, super-lively daughter.
