Mid-Michigan Realtor® - A glimpse at my life.

In the Parable of the Talents found in Matthew 25:14–30, Jesus tells of a master who entrusted his servants with different amounts of money before going on a journey. To one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, each according to his ability. When the master returned, he did not judge them by comparison to one another, but by what they did with what they were given. That parable has taken on a deeper meaning for Dellaina and me as we reflect on our journey to childbirth. When we were married in July of 1993, we believed we would immediately begin building a family together. Instead, we were handed something different, infertility, uncertainty, and years of waiting. At the time, it did not feel like a gift. It felt like loss. Month after month, doctor visit after doctor visit, we wondered why something so natural for others seemed impossible for us. We tried everything within our means, basal body temperature tracking, medications like Clomid and Provera, surgeries...

 For 32 years, my wife Dellaina and I have been married, and I can honestly say we’ve been blessed. For most of our marriage, I worked while Dellaina stayed home with our children. She devoted herself to being a wife, a mother, and a homemaker. I took pride in providing for our family. To us, that was the ideal marriage. Not because it matched someone else’s expectations, but because it worked for us. Dellaina has always been incredible in her role. She created a home filled with love, stability, and warmth. Managing a household and raising children is no small task. It requires patience, sacrifice, and consistency. I never viewed what she did as “less than” simply because it didn’t come with a paycheck. And I truly enjoyed carrying the responsibility of providing. That was our partnership. Lately, though, I’ve noticed something that troubles me. I hear couples talking, and I see posts on TikTok, X, YouTube, and Facebook where spouses publicly complain about their “lazy” husband ...

I and a few of my family members spent years wearing a uniform that stood for something bigger than ourselves. Service was never about comfort, convenience, or unanimous agreement. It was about defending principles that mattered, especially when they were tested. One of those principles was simple and deeply ingrained: I may not agree with what you say, but I will fight to the death to protect your right to say it. That belief wasn’t a slogan or a philosophical exercise. It was the reason many of us raised our right hands and swore an oath. When you serve, you learn quickly that freedom isn’t tidy. It’s messy, loud, contradictory, and often uncomfortable. People don’t think alike. They don’t speak alike. And they certainly don’t agree. That diversity of thought isn’t a flaw in a free society, it’s the evidence that freedom is working. The mission was never to protect only the voices we liked or agreed with. It was to defend the freedom that allowed all voices to exist, even the ones ...

 As this year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to simply say thank you. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read my blogs, share them, comment on them, or even just quietly follow along. When I first started writing, it wasn’t about numbers or reach—it was about being real, sharing my journey, and hopefully encouraging someone along the way. Your support has meant more than you know. Writing these blogs has been both humbling and healing for me. They’ve allowed me to reflect on where I’ve been, where God has brought me from, and where I’m being led next. Some posts were easy to write, others required vulnerability and prayer, but each one came from the heart. Knowing that they resonated with others reminds me that God can use even our simplest words for a greater purpose. I’m especially grateful for the conversations that have come from these writings. Whether it’s a message, a phone call, or a conversation in passing, hearing how something I wrote encouraged...

After years as a Walmart Store Manager, one truth became crystal clear to me: the heart of every big retailer isn’t the CEO, the shareholders, or the corporate office. It’s the hourly workers. The cashiers who greet you with a smile. The stockers who lift heavy freight through the night. The associates who clean spills, run returns, and keep shelves full. They are the engine that keeps these stores alive. And when the recent “We Ain’t Buying It” protest called for a boycott of Walmart, Target, Home Depot, and Amazon over the holiday weekend, my first thought wasn’t about the corporations — it was about those workers. The protest aims to make a statement by urging people not to shop from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday. People have every right to speak up on issues they care about. But having spent years in the trenches of retail, I know exactly who feels the impact first. It isn’t executives in office towers — it’s the people standing on tile floors for eight hours, earning hourly w...

 Across America, a quiet but powerful shift is transforming the spiritual landscape. More individuals and families are stepping away from traditional denominational structures and discovering a renewed sense of purpose, community, and belonging within non-denominational churches. This movement isn’t driven by rebellion or division — it’s fueled by a growing desire for authenticity, real connection, and a faith that speaks into everyday life in a meaningful way. In the past few decades, the number of Americans identifying as non-denominational Christians has surged from under 3% in the early 1970s to roughly 13–14% today , representing nearly 40 million people. Meanwhile, traditional denominations have seen steady declines. Between 2010 and 2020 alone, more than 4,000 new non-denominational churches opened across the country, bringing an estimated 6.5 million new attendees into this movement. For many, the shift reflects a longing for a form of Christianity rooted in Scripture, c...

 With Veterans Day approaching, our nation begins to reflect on the extraordinary men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. Flags will soon wave in honor, ceremonies will be held in small towns and big cities alike, and Americans everywhere will pause to give thanks. But we don’t need to wait for a specific date to show our gratitude. Honoring our veterans — and remembering those who never made it home — should be something we carry in our hearts every single day. Every veteran carries a story etched into the fabric of our nation. Some returned home with visible medals; others carry silent scars that few can see. Yet each one made a choice — to serve something greater than themselves, to stand for liberty and justice, and to protect a nation they loved more than their own comfort. That kind of courage deserves not just a day, but a lifetime of gratitude. And for those who did not make it home — our fallen heroes — we honor you with solemn hearts. ...

 The Federal Reserve just announced another quarter-point rate cut , lowering its benchmark range to 3.75%–4.00% . For homebuyers across Bay County, Pinconning, and the Tri-Cities, this marks a new window of opportunity. Even a small shift in rates can open big doors for families ready to make a move — or for sellers hoping to attract fresh activity before winter sets in. While the Fed’s move doesn’t directly set mortgage rates, it sends ripples through the entire housing market. According to industry data, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has slipped to around 6.3% , the lowest in roughly a year. That’s welcome news after months of affordability challenges that kept many buyers on the sidelines. For buyers, this rate relief can mean more home for the same payment — or simply more breathing room in your monthly budget. For sellers, it often means increased buyer traffic as affordability edges upward. In other words, momentum is starting to shift again just as we move into...

 As the leaves start to fall and the evenings turn crisp, our family has officially wrapped up another unforgettable camping season. It’s a bittersweet feeling—packing up the 5th wheel one last time for the year, sweeping out the sand and pine needles that tell stories of our adventures. This summer was one for the books, filled with laughter, exploration, and countless moments that reminded us why camping has become such a treasured part of our family life. We kicked off our summer with two incredible weeks at Tahquamenon Falls State Park . Nestled in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, this park is a wonder of nature—powerful waterfalls, winding trails, and towering trees that make you feel small in the best way. We spent our days hiking along the falls, cooking over the campfire, and soaking in the beauty of the wilderness that seemed to stretch endlessly. There’s something about hearing the rush of those falls at sunset that makes time stand still. Between the big adventures, we made...

 If you’ve followed my journey for a while, you know that I’ve always believed home is where your story begins. To me, that truth runs deeper than real estate, it’s spiritual. Home represents more than walls and a roof; it’s where families gather, prayers are lifted, and God’s blessings take root. It’s where our stories intertwine with His purpose. While I’ve only been a Realtor® since January 2025 , serving others has been part of my story for as long as I can remember. Before entering real estate, I spent over 20 years with Walmart and 3 years with The Home Depot in various leadership roles. Those experiences taught me patience, humility, and what it truly means to lead by example, to put others before yourself. Looking back, I can see how God used those seasons to prepare me for this one. Whether managing a large team or guiding a first-time homebuyer, my calling has always been to serve with integrity and compassion. I’ve learned that when you lead with a servant’s heart, ...

When you step onto that bus to basic training, everything familiar fades away. From that moment forward, your world is stripped down and rebuilt. The military’s purpose is clear: break you down, remove distractions, and rebuild you into someone who can survive, lead, and fight. Every day becomes a test of endurance and obedience. What’s left at the end of that process is a finely tuned soldier — strong, alert, and mission-driven. That transformation is necessary to protect our nation. It teaches discipline, loyalty, and courage. But what many don’t realize is that this same process changes how we think, how we react, and how we relate to the world. We’re trained to confront, not retreat; to act, not hesitate. Those traits make us effective in uniform — but when we come home, they can make normal life feel foreign and overwhelming. The problem is that the military doesn’t really teach us how to turn it off. There’s no decompression process, no systematic way to unlearn what was drill...

In recent days, I’ve heard of many people losing their jobs because they posted to social media celebrating Charlie Kirk’s death. On one hand, there are those saying these individuals deserve to be fired because it is sick to rejoice in someone’s murder. After all, Charlie Kirk strongly advocated for freedom of speech and tragically lost his life because of his beliefs. On the other hand, others argue that firing someone over their comments is wrong because it violates their “freedom of speech.” This debate is raising an important but often misunderstood question: where does free speech end and accountability begin? At first glance, the argument for protecting freedom of speech makes sense. In the United States, every citizen is entitled to speak freely without fear of government punishment. By all means, people are allowed to voice their opinions, even when those opinions are unpopular or offensive. However, we must also recognize that freedom of speech is not unlimited. Just as one ...

 Whether you are a Democrat, Republican, Independent, or hold no political affiliation at all, one truth must remain constant: we should never cheer, celebrate, or feel joy when another human being is violently harmed or killed. To do so reveals something deeply broken within us. Violence may capture headlines, but celebrating it reveals a darkness that corrodes the soul. We live in a time where disagreement is inevitable. Politics, faith, culture, and values will always produce passionate debates. That’s part of living in a free society. We can argue. We can disagree. We can challenge one another’s beliefs. But in the end, words are just that—words. They can sting, they can heal, and they can divide, but they should never escalate into violence. When we cross the line from dialogue to destruction, we abandon our humanity. Violence is not strength; it is weakness masquerading as power. Those who harm others physically are not proving their convictions, they are only revealing the...

 Being a dad is one of the greatest blessings God has ever entrusted to me, but it is also one of the toughest callings I’ve ever known. Raising my four children—Marcus, Michael, Isabell, and Gabriella—has been a journey filled with joy, challenges, and countless lessons. Along the way, I was also given the privilege of having a small hand in raising four others—Alicia, Angela, Jeremy, and Albert Jr. Each child brought their own personality, their own struggles, and their own gifts into my life, and through them God has continually reminded me that fatherhood is less about perfection and more about faithfulness. The hard part of being a dad is the weight of responsibility that never really leaves. It’s not just about working hard to provide or making sure the bills are paid. It’s about leading by example, protecting hearts, and guiding souls. I’ve asked myself many times: Am I teaching them enough? Am I showing them love in the same way my Heavenly Father shows me? Am I preparing ...

 As the days grow shorter and the leaves begin to fall, Mid-Michigan homeowners know winter isn’t far behind. Taking time in the fall to prepare your home inside and out can save you money, protect your investment, and make for a much more comfortable season ahead. Here’s a simple checklist to guide you through the most important fall clean-up tasks. 1. Yard & Garden Care Start with your outdoor spaces. Rake and bag leaves or mulch them directly into your lawn to provide natural nutrients. Trim back shrubs and perennials to keep them healthy through the winter, and don’t forget to fertilize and reseed your lawn. A little effort now helps ensure that your landscaping bounces back strong once spring arrives. 2. Gutter & Roof Maintenance Leaves and debris can quickly clog gutters and downspouts, leading to water damage and even ice dams when the snow begins to melt. Clean out gutters thoroughly and check your roof for any missing shingles or weak spots. If you have a chimn...

  Good day to all! It was a difficult decision on whether to write this week’s blog topic or not. I debated it for a while, wondering if it might stir up controversy or spark debate. But after some thought, I decided that’s exactly why it should be written. Sometimes the topics that are a little uncomfortable are the ones worth exploring. This week, I want to dive into a concept that’s been discussed, debated, and even criticized lately,  “The American Dream.” Before we can unpack why “The American Dream” has become such a hot topic, we have to understand where the term originated and what it really meant at the start. The phrase didn’t just appear in modern times; it was popularized in 1931 by historian and writer James Truslow Adams. In his book The Epic of America , Adams described the dream not in terms of wealth or status, but in terms of opportunity and potential. Here is an excerpt from his definition: Adams called it “that dream of a land in which life should b...

 For more than two decades, I worked in big box retail management. Walmart, Home Depot—you name it, I was there. I spent years managing hundreds of associates, overseeing operations, analyzing P&L reports, and chasing metrics. The work was steady, the pay was decent, and from the outside looking in, it seemed like I had it made. But somewhere deep down, I knew something was missing. The truth is, I didn’t feel fulfilled. I wasn’t waking up excited to start my day—I was grinding through it. I was building success for someone else’s dream, not my own. As much as I loved mentoring my teams and helping customers, I longed for something with more heart, more personal connection, and more freedom to serve others in a meaningful way. That stirring inside of me eventually led to a bold decision: to walk away from the corporate world and pursue a career in real estate. It wasn’t easy, and I didn’t make the leap blindly. I prayed. I questioned. I planned. I leaned on my faith and asked...

 Thank you so much to everyone who takes the time to read my blogs. Your support truly means the world to me. This week, I felt led to open up about something different. Not a highlight, not a win—but a hard moment. A moment where life hit hard, and I’m choosing to be real with you all about it. Because life isn’t always filtered and polished—and I think someone else out there may need to hear this too. I always try to remain positive, to walk in faith, and to trust in my God that everything will work out for the good. That’s not just a phrase to me—it’s something I strive to live every single day. And even through the recent trials—losing my job, facing family drama, battling personal setbacks—I’ve held onto that faith. But even the strongest among us have moments of doubt. And this week, that doubt crept in deeper than I’ve felt in a long time. The breaking point came when my 2017 GMC Sierra started acting up. I assumed it was a minor issue—a sensor, maybe a loose wire. But the...

 First, I want to sincerely apologize for the delay in posting Part 2 of this series. Life has been... well, hectic. Between the demands of work, family, and everyday responsibilities, the days seemed to slip right through my fingers. But as I continue on this journey of growth and reflection, I’ve come to realize that delays like this one are opportunities—not failures—to learn and refocus. So, let’s pick back up where we left off. Years had passed since I first read The Pledge of Success in Reader’s Digest. I did my best to remember the words daily, using them like a compass to start each day with purpose. But that was only the beginning. The real shift came when our district manager handed each of us a copy of The Oz Principle as part of our leadership development. It was more than just a book—it was a mirror. A mirror that forced me to take a long, hard look at myself and how I approached responsibility. The Oz Principle centers on the concept of accountability—both person...

Years ago, I came across an article in Reader’s Digest that centered around a high school football team and a powerful “Pledge of Success” their coach would read to them. I don’t remember every detail of the article, but that pledge—it hit me hard. It planted a seed in my heart that has grown into something foundational in my life. At that time, I was stuck in a mindset that many people fall into: I believed I was a victim. I blamed my circumstances, my upbringing, my friends, even my bosses—but never myself. If something went wrong in my life, it was always someone else’s fault. That pledge became the first crack in that victim mentality. The Pledge of Success read: "Today is a new day, a new beginning. It has been given to me as a gift. I can either use it or throw it away. What I do today will affect me tomorrow. I cannot blame anyone but myself if I don't succeed. I promise to use this day to the fullest by giving my best, realizing it can never come back again. This is...