He is the director of the Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center, which is a program of Marion County Schools. He’s also a family man of 27 years, field archaeologist, scientific illustrator, history buff, military veteran and avid outdoorsman.
history:
Where were you born?
In Miami but raised in Fort Myers (fourth generation Floridian).
When did you come to Ocala?
I was hired at the Silver River Museum in 2004 and moved to Ocala in 2005.
food:
What’s your favorite meal?
That would be a tie between shrimp and grits and a fresh grouper sandwich.
Favorite place to dine in Ocala/Marion County for a special occasion?
Mark’s Prime, for the wonderful food and service.
travel:
Where have you traveled to?
My father was an airline pilot, so I’ve seen almost all of the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. I’ve also been to Australia, Honduras, Argentina, Puerto Rico, Paris, England, Scotland and Ireland. The highlands of Scotland were exceptional.
books, movies and music:
What are you currently reading?
The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson (a wonderful historical author).
What’s your favorite movie?
O Brother, Where Art Thou? (for the plot, acting and music).
What kind of music do you prefer?
Folksy southern rock (chicken-pecking music according to my wife, Susan).
work:
Hardest thing you’ve ever done?
Serving as director of the Camp Kiwanis Summer Camp. It is utterly exhausting, stressful and rewarding all at once.
Coolest thing you’ve ever done?
Worked as a field archaeologist and picked up objects last touched thousands of years before.
pet peeves:
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Rudeness. I see no reason or good in it.
influence:
Who influenced your life the most?
My mother, who is a wonderful woman; and the United States Marine Corps between 1983 and 1987.
Who do you hope to influence?
My hope would be to help people understand how interesting and complex history is, and that we can learn valuable lessons from past events if we pay attention.
style:
Favorite colors?
Earth tones, blues and greens.
Classic or trendy?
Classic style (what little I have).
Dogs or cats?
Dogs for sure. Labrador retrievers in particular.
Introvert or extrovert?
I’m definitely an extrovert.
hobbies:
What do you like to do?
Being outdoors (both the woods and waters of the Gulf Coast, which is in my blood).
What’s on your bucket list?
My wish would be to sail more.
