After decades of travel for work and living in various states, I’m home. Literally and figuratively, Southern Pines, North Carolina is home to me. Family, friends, community, volunteering…this is where I belong. Born in Indiana, raised in Connecticut, I embarked on a sales and product marketing career for several well-known consumer durables companies including Whirlpool and American Standard. It was a professional life of high energy and high performance – a lot of travel, client dinners, busy conventions and the like. It also involved some moves for me and my family. One of my positions brought me to Southern Pines for a stretch, where my parents had already retired. We loved it here and planned to return. When I retired in 2021, we did just that.
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When we got settled, there was no sitting around wondering what to do with my time. Rather than being bored or rudderless, I found myself re-energized and wanting to participate in community service. I think everyone, especially men, need community. Personally, community means a great deal to me. It grounds me and elevates me at the same time. I’m a huge believer that we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.  
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First, I got involved in Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Southern Pines, a congregation known for its great tradition of serving the community both locally and internationally. I also joined the board of Pilgrim’s Progress, a non-profit safe house in Moore County for men in between stages of detox and treatment for addiction who want to rebuild their lives. As part of my work with the organization, I developed a mentorship program which offers guidance, practical tools and encouragement as well as health through Fitness Fellowship & Faith (F3) workouts. Now if you told me years ago, I’d be traveling to South Africa on a mission to help men in recovery there, I wouldn’t have believed you. But there I was in 2023, jetting nearly 8,000 miles around the globe alongside some men from our safe house to participate in a hugely productive and uplifting two-week program.
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To be honest, I’m a lot busier than I thought I’d be, building teams, raising awareness and getting more people involved. But something this rewarding is worth the investment. However, I couldn’t do it without the love and support of my wife, Liz. Like work projects, it takes time, focus and some risk-taking to do it well. Time away from her and our family.

Besides my volunteer work, I took up, what else – pickleball. As everyone around here knows, it’s always pickleball season. I find myself using words like “dink and “get of of the kitchen,” but it has been a great way to make new friends and improve my cardio.          
If I can offer any wisdom to others facing life after career, I would recommend doing some planning several months prior to retirement. Take inventory about what makes you tick and investigate some opportunities. Try a variety of new things. Figure out how to do it well while dedicating time with your spouse and family. And if community service is an interest, I guarantee that by helping others improve their quality of life, it will greatly improve yours.
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pilgrimsprogressmoorecounty.com
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