My Life changed 20 years ago when my wife and I came to look at model homes in a new community called Rancho Santa Margarita. We were so excited about what we saw that we immediately joined the line of people waiting for the next phase of homes to be released. We knew this was where we wanted to start a family and raise our children.
I grew up in a small home in Long Beach. My family was poor, and we struggled just to keep the lights on and food on the table. I quickly learned that no one was going to hand me anything; if I wanted to be successful in life it would only happen through my efforts and hard work.
When I turned 12, I got my first paying job - chalking the lines at the local sports fields. This was hard work for a kid, but I took my job seriously and was soon promoted to "Heads Groundskeeper." I dreamed of playing soccer or baseball on the fields I cared for with such pride, but my family couldn't afford to pay the fees or buy the equipment. I gave all the money I earned to my mother to pay bills.
During my high school years I started and ran a successful lawn care/landscaping business, employing many of my high school friends as the business continued to grow.
Although education was never emphasized or even discusses at home, I knew there was much I needed to know and learn if I wanted to become the best I could be. After high school I enrolled in Long Beach City College. Two weeks into my first semester, my older sister passed away leaving behind two small children. Suddenly I became responsible for supporting my sister's fractured family while running a thriving business, helping my parents financially, and attending classes.
I believe all things, even trials, happen for a reason. It is how we respond to trials that determines who we really are. How does a piece of dirty ugly coal change into a beautiful diamond? It takes heat, time, and a lot of pressure. It is the same with us.
Who am I today? I am the Father of four wonderful children and the husband of an incredible wife. I run and operate a very successful Event Planning company headquartered in Rancho Santa Margarita.
At 6:30 a.m every school morning I teach a Bible study class to 22 high school sophomores as a volunteer. On weekends I coach and referee games for the local youth sports leagues. I donate my time to drive elderly seniors in my company limo.
I tithe 10% of my income to my church to help others in need. I fast for two meals once a month along with my family, so we can donate this money to the poor. I volunteer many hoiurs for various community service projects.
I offer the free use of Dove Canyon Courtyard to numerous non-profit groups. I serve as a Boy Scout leader to mentor young men. I lecture youth and school groups about the negative effects of some music and media.
I have learned that service brings the greatest happiness in life. If selected, I know I would make a great councilman. As a small business owner in Rancho Santa Margarita, I will bring a new perspective to Council meetings. I know the struggles businesses face in today's economy. I have had the opportunity of attending almost every city council, planning commission, and economic development meeting since August of 2008. I am very familiar with land use issues. I have gone through the City's Conditional Use Process, pulled building permits, dealt with the environmental and CEQA process. I know I can share ways to improve upon this process from a business prospective.
As a business owner and CEO of our company, I have to wear many hats. I personally deal every day with budgets, payrolls and employees, all while developing a business plan aimed at growing our business. I have negotiated hundreds of contracts with various vendors, clients, and landlords. I have created numerous jobs and employ many local teens and residents of Rancho Santa Margarita. I run my business on the principles of honesty and integrity. Running a city is like running a business and deserves the same moral standards.
I am not tied to any political group and I don't have any special agenda. Open debate and dialog is good. I would do my best to be fair and to make decisions with sound judgment. As a collective group of five, I believe the Rancho Santa Margarita City Council can continue to enhance this beautiful town and "urban village" that we all call home.