“All of sudden, it was time for me to grow up…”

My last tour of duty was at the Naval Air Systems Command Headquarters, Patuxent River, Maryland. I was assigned as a Deputy Assistant Program Manager for Logistics supporting the F/A-18 A-D “Hornet” and F/A-18 E/F “Super Hornet” tactical aircraft.

The Navy was a tough, high stress, but satisfying job that increasingly demanded more time and energy than I wanted to put in. I’d always said Someday I would retire and decide what I wanted to be when I grew up. One day I just ‘knew’ that Someday had arrived. But by then, I didn’t have the time or energy to think about what I wanted to do next.

The Navy had told me how to walk, talk, dress, where to go, and what to do. I didn’t have to plan my career, it was planned for me. I never worried about a paycheck or wondered what the amount would be. All my needs were met.

Waking Up To The REAL Transition…

I soon realized that a military to civilian transition involved a lot more than learning to write a resume. I needed to figure out who I was without a uniform. Now that I was completely free to choose my work, decide where to live, and plan my days, I didn’t know how to do any of those things.

I began by creating a long-range vision for my life with richly detailed descriptions of the people, activities, technology, sounds, scents and tastes I wanted. Once completed, however, I had no means of translating my vision into a tangible form. What do I call this lifestyle I’m imagining, and how do I get paid to do it?

The Magic of Synchronicity…

As my last day in uniform approached and I began to panic, I knew I needed a plan. I did what I was taught: I searched for jobs on the Internet. I wept as I clicked through sites advertising technical jobs in offices with cubicles and long commutes. This was not my vision! As if in answer to my cry, a banner appeared flashing “25 Hottest Home Businesses”. I thought, “What have I got to lose?”

The second business on the list was Personal Coaching. Interested, I clicked on it. The more I read, the more excited I became. This was my vision! I now knew how to label myself – professional life coach. I grabbed it and held on! The pieces all fell into place.

And My Vision Becomes a Reality.

Now a certified professional career transition coach, I am founder and owner of Front Line Success Systems, LLC, a personal development company focused on helping people transition from the military into lives they love. My clients include military personnel from all branches of service, law enforcement officials, and individual entrepreneurs growing their own small businesses.

Living a Life I Love!

I absolutely love my life! I set my own hours, choose how I spend my days, and sleep soundly knowing that what I’m doing is meaningful and valuable for the world at large. I am thrilled when my clients realize what’s possible, create their own vision, and then manifest that vision instead of simply getting a job.

I get up early every morning, not because I have to, but because I’m eager to start my day as soon as possible. Not a day goes by when I’m not brimming over with ideas for new ways to inspire and motivate my clients to ‘play a bigger game’ and reach for more than just the brass ring. I want more than anything now to share what I’ve learned, to help others look forward to living each day with energy, hope and excitement.

In the Navy, I learned how to reduce complex processes into a series of simple, logical steps. As a coach, this skill has proven invaluable. I have reduced the complicated, chaotic transition process to a few simple steps, which helps you experience a relatively stress-free transition process.

The Final Details:

I am co-author of the best-selling book “Wake Up…Live the Life You Love – Seizing Your Success”. My co-authors include Dr. Wayne Dyer, Deepak Chopra and Gregory Scott Reid. I write articles for numerous military newsletters and publications, including a column entitled “Ask the Coach” for Stars & Stripes. I have been interviewed as a military transition expert and quoted several times in Civilian Jobs News.

As a guest speaker, I’ve appeared on radio shows, including Job Talk hosted by Richard Bolles, author of “What Color is Your Parachute?” When not being interviewed about military transitions, I love to speak on topics such as internet marketing, finding your niche market, and creating your vision.

I earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree (Summa Cum Laude) from National University San Diego and am a graduate of Coach U, the world’s premier coaching institute. I am also an Associate Certified Coach with the International Coach Federation, founding member of the International Association of Coaches, and Past President of the Nevada Professional Coaches Association.

I currently reside in Albuquerque, New Mexico, but spend as much time as possible scuba-diving in Grand Cayman.

	Associate Certified Coach – International Coach Federation
	Naval Reserve Association
	Aerospace Maintenance Duty Officer Association
	Founding Member – International Association of Coaches
	Graduate – Coach U
	Coachville #1 Network
	Toastmasters

Me and Dad after my retirement ceremony!

(Army-Navy Games are big events at our house!)