I’ve been married to my wife, Joanna, for seven years and we have three children. Our oldest, Valentina, just completed her first year of Early Years at Brownell Talbot. I have been doing commercial real estate since we moved back to Omaha in late 2017. I currently serve on the Omaha Planning Board and the Board of Directors for the Greater Omaha YMCA.
What do you love about commercial real estate?
I found out early on that I didn’t belong behind a desk. I love the fact that my career is social and thrives on connection, not only to individuals but also my community. From first-time investors to for-profit, nonprofit, small, and large businesses, helping my clients make real estate decisions for their businesses has been rewarding.
Can you tell us a bit about how you stay connected to civic matters in Omaha?
Civic involvement has always been a part of my real estate practice and early in my career I was able to join an advisory council for Mayor Jean Stothert. Alongside a diverse group of young individuals, I realized how accessible our city can be for those looking to make an impact. In 2020, I decided to run for the Nebraska State Legislature to better serve Downtown and South Omaha. I lost the race, but I gained so much through that process. Since then, I’ve taken part in writing our City Charter, I was appointed to the Omaha Planning Board, and I serve on the board of the Greater Omaha YMCA.
Your oldest child Valentina became a Raider this year. Why did you choose to send your children to BT?
We chose to send our daughter to BT because we feel that the school is committed to the holistic development of its students. We want our daughter to thrive in her own way, explore her talents, and ultimately enter the adult world prepared to give back to society and her community. As someone who forged lifelong relationships at BT, I know my children will have that same opportunity.
Which BT teachers had the biggest impact on you?
Mr. Mike Recker fueled my passion for French and helped identify my knack for languages, in general. I never got tired of being able to turn Mrs. Carrie Rise’s face beet red with a joke or prank. I also can’t forget Ms. Dianne Desler who taught me about compassion and dutiful service.
How did BT help prepare you for what you are doing now?
BT taught me to read and write better than most people in any given room. Despite the smaller class sizes, BT also taught me to relate to many types of people, despite our differences.
What advice would you give to current BT students?
I would advise current BT students to always strive for excellence in whatever they do, not for themselves, but so they can serve others. It is an immense privilege to receive an education from BT. Don’t apologize for it. Take advantage of it and, crucially, use it for good.
What is something you learned in the last week?
I learned how to make espresso on the stove, like an Italian grandmother.
