I was born and raised in the small town of Salem, Ohio, and then moved to Charlotte, North Carolina in 1980.  I graduated with a degree in Business Administration from Muskingum College in 1982 and earned my Juris Doctor degree from the University of Akron School of Law in 1987.  I am licensed to practice law in both North Carolina and South Carolina.  In North Carolina, I am a state-certified Civil Court Mediator, as well as a Board-Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law.  In South Carolina I am certified as a Family Court Mediator.

My law practice has been concentrated in the area of personal injury since 1990, during which time I have successfully handled a wide variety of automobile accident, wrongful death, Social Security, worker’s compensation, and family law cases.  In 2012 I was appointed to the Spartanburg County Election Commission by Governor Nikki Haley.  I served in that position for two years.

I am the proud father of twin girls. I am actively involved with my church, community and charitable organizations.  I have also been an enthusiastic rock and mountain climber for forty years and have also immersed myself in whitewater kayaking.  

I was a founding member of the Board of Directors of the Access Fund, a national non-profit advocacy group.  I served many years on the Crowders Mountain State Park Advisory Committee, officiated as the President of the Carolina Climbers Coalition, and am a member of the Administrative Council of Gramling United Methodist Church.