As a licensed Maryland real estate agent, my business revolves around real estate. However, my initial passion was always in teaching and education. Growing up, I aspired to be a teacher, drawn to the idea of helping others, coaching football, and indulging in my love for history—the perfect trifecta. The thought of having holidays and summers off only solidified my decision. Teaching seemed like a natural choice when envisioning my future.

During my time at Frostburg State University, I lived the typical life of a Division III college football player. It was there that I found myself, made lifelong friends, and met my future wife and business partner, Megan. After graduating college with academic and football accolades, I followed the typical post-graduation pattern—accumulating debt by moving to a neighborhood in Baltimore City, buying my first brand-new car, and financing my expenses through credit cards. I began my career as a 6th-grade Social Studies teacher, trying to keep up with the financial demands.

As time went on, I took on additional roles as an Athletic Director for the middle school and coached football at my hometown high school. However, I soon realized that teaching wasn’t what I had initially imagined. The income didn’t align with the hours invested, and it bothered me to see teachers with less workload being paid more based on education level and seniority. It prompted me to make a logical decision—I pursued a master’s degree, accumulating more student loans, with the goal of becoming an administrator for increased earning potential.

With growing frustration, my mental and physical health began to suffer. I experienced weight loss and sank into depression, which made me irritable towards those around me. It was during a staff meeting in February 2020, just before the COVID shutdown, that my Assistant Principal made a statement that resonated deeply: “I know everyone is struggling, and the students are difficult this year, but where are you going to go? You’re stuck here, and we all have bills to pay, so we just have to push through it.” It hit me—I felt trapped. I had gradually increased my spending to match my income, and I realized there were more important things in life than a draining 9-to-5 job.

This realization marked the beginning of my journey towards financial independence (FI) and the desire to share what I’ve learned for the benefit of others. I am genuinely enjoying the process and being open about my life more than I ever imagined. My goal is to share this newfound passion with as many people as possible. Together with Megan, we will take you along our path, based on our LoveOfFI, as we navigate the pursuit of FI and strive for a life filled with purpose and financial freedom.