I am a former Air Force General who is motivated by managing complex operations and fostering innovation. After serving as the Commanding General for NATO Air Training Command in Afghanistan, I transitioned to civilian life with a focus on social entrepreneurship. Recognizing the need to support veterans, individuals with disabilities, and others facing employment challenges, my wife Holly and I founded Soulcial Kitchen in Swansea, Illinois.

Soulcial Kitchen serves as a hospitality innovation hub, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs through training and mentorship. Under our leadership, it became home to the first registered food truck apprenticeship program in the U.S., developed with the Department of Labor. This program provides comprehensive training for individuals seeking to enter the mobile food industry, with a special focus on marginalized communities.

Beyond entrepreneurship, we launched the "Currency of Caring" program, which enables patrons to buy meal tokens that can be redeemed for free hot meals by those in need at Soulcial Kitchen food trucks and participating brick and mortar restaurant partners. This initiative reflects our commitment to addressing food insecurity while promoting dignity and community support.

The work our team does at Soulcial Kitchen highlights our shared belief in the positive power of people and community as well as the potential for business to promote social good. Through these efforts, we have created a replicable model for social entrepreneurship that continues to impact the Metro East St. Louis area and beyond. Our hope is that our legacy is one of service, innovation, and unwavering dedication to empowering others.