I didn’t follow a traditional route into business. Most of what I know started with getting out there, doing the work, and learning as I went.
Where I started
I left high school around 16, initially considered military service, and eventually found myself working in structural and infrastructure welding. I worked around fabrication, stair railings, warehouses, schools, apartments and bridge beams, learning MIG, TIG, stick and tack welding.
Working with my hands taught me to take real-world consequences seriously. The quality of the work mattered, and so did the people depending on it.
Learning how businesses operate
Later, I worked in field supervision and project management, including several years with Handyman Anderson LLC. I assessed projects, coordinated workers and communications, dealt with pricing considerations, and learned what it feels like to be the person customers turn to when they need answers.
That experience shaped how I think about management, customer relationships, and responsibility.
Building my own businesses
JW Auto Detailing was the first business I started. From there, I worked in automotive services, personal training, contracting, and eventually Lock & Road Pro-Services LLC. I didn’t keep every business operating, and I’m not going to pretend my path was perfectly organized. Each experience taught me something.
I also spend time learning about business strategy, software, cybersecurity and technology systems. Some of those projects are public; some stay private.
What matters most to me isn't a long list of titles. It's building something useful, being accountable for my work, and treating people with respect.