I started my journey in the cleaning and restoration industry back in 1999 with Stanley Steemer in Fort Wayne, IN, where I spent three years learning the ropes of carpet cleaning. In March of 2002, my wife Angi and I took a big step and founded Americlean Tile & Grout Inc., focusing initially on hard surface flooring and carpet cleaning. Two years in, we received a water loss job from a movie theater client. Without the experience to handle the project ourselves, we referred the work to a competitor. But that experience sparked a deep interest in the restoration process, and I knew I had to pursue training in water damage mitigation.

In mid-2004, I attended my first Water Restoration Technician (WRT) course with Barry Costa, followed by a five-day session with Kurt Bolden at the Hydro-Lab. It was during that course that I met Charlie Cressy, the owner and inventor of the Water Out Drying System. Angi and I joined the Water Out network, and over the next eight years, we traveled across the Southeast, assisting with hurricane recovery efforts and supporting other restoration contractors and their clients. In 2013, we decided to put down roots in Fort Wayne and grow our company into a leading water mitigation provider in the area. Today, after 20 years in business, Water Out has become a trusted name in cleaning and restoration services in the Fort Wayne market.

In 2019, I crossed paths with Chuck Dewald III and David Sweet at an RIA conference where I had the opportunity to speak with Chuck. After attending the Dewald Academy of Drying School early that year, I found myself returning frequently, and eventually, I became a partner in both the school and E3 Technologies. Over the past three years, I’ve worked alongside Chuck on hundreds of the largest commercial water losses in the U.S.

I’m incredibly grateful for my wife, Angi, who has been by my side throughout this journey, as well as our two amazing daughters, Stephanie and Whitney. I cherish time with my family, whether it’s cheering on my girls at their sports events, enjoying water sports at the lake, traveling, water skiing, or snowmobiling. Being able to teach and mentor the next generation of restorers is not only rewarding but also deeply humbling, and I’m honored to contribute to the future of this industry.