The Team

Working one-on-one with tech customers has always been my idea of a dream job. But as a manager, first at T-Mobile USA, then at Symantec, I didn’t get that opportunity. That’s why I jumped at the chance to work for CBT Nuggets – where it's all about customer service. Nothing makes me happier than building long-lasting relationships with customers and helping them meet their IT training goals. It’s what’s expected of me here, and exactly what I love to do. Each customer has unique needs, and I want to meet them. My talented and beautiful wife, Michelle, and I have a young son named Tadhg (pronounced “Tiger” without the “er”). In my free time, I like to golf, fish and hike. I also enjoy donating my time to the local community and giving back to those in need. CBT Nuggets has given me more than anyone can fathom, both professionally and personally, and for that I am deeply indebted.

After graduating from the US Air Force Academy, I spent some time in the Air Force as an IT Director. I separated as a Captain and spent several years training MCSEs as an independent contract trainer. After developing a fairly serious allergy to airline travel, it was time to take my training approach to video. When I started CBT Nuggets, I was the only trainer. Slowly and carefully, I brought on additional trainers, making sure the training style, attention to detail, real-world experience and technical knowledge were just right. I have critically reviewed each and every video created for CBT Nuggets. We currently use 11 highly-qualified trainers who produce content for the CBT Nuggets library. When not at the office, I like to spend time with my beautiful wife and five children. I also like to golf, play poker, watch sports, and enjoy life. My favorite thing to do is make people laugh. My oldest child is 10, so I have five easy marks. If the laugh lines don't work, however, I can always follow up with a tickle.

Basically, I love to talk about anything, everything and whatever's in between. So you can imagine my shock and awe when I discovered a super cool job at a cutting-edge, close-knit company nestled in scenic Eugene, Oregon. They needed someone just like me to talk to their customers about anything and everything IT. I knew immediately we were meant for each other, and jumping into sales at CBT Nuggets has been a marriage made in heaven! Not surprisingly, a good portion of my background is in acting and directing. (Being the center of attention is closely linked to a love of speaking.) I spent many years in New York City acting, directing, and, as anyone who is familiar with the business will tell you, doing a ton of auditioning. Being birthed from the arts, my approach to life is unique, artistic, focused and caring. And being a part of the CBT Nuggets family couldn't make doing that any easier.

Look inside my mom's wallet and you'll find a photo of me at age 3 with one hand on a bottle of apple juice, the other hand on a keyboard. A computer gamer at heart, I grew up writing automation software for the games I played. This translated naturally into automating the Nugget assembly line, which is one of my main tasks here at CBT Nuggets. But you'll also find me working in the trenches, providing first and second-tier support to both valued CBT Nuggets customers and employees on-site here in Eugene. I thrive on learning and teaching people about technology and listening to their concerns. I consistently set a high standard for myself, which I believe is reflected in the quality of support I provide. When I'm not making nuggets fly, you'll often find me appreciating the outdoors – hiking, cycling, rock climbing, skimboarding and taking frequent road trips along the Pacific coastline.

My role at CBT Nuggets is "doing anything and everything that needs to happen and making sure there are absolutely no loose ends." On any given day I can be found answering customer questions by telephone or email, burning CDs and DVDs, processing and shipping orders, verifying billing information, working with FedEx to ensure timely delivery and assisting customers if any challenges arise. I'm proud that the quality of our services and the unsurpassed talent of our trainers result in a really great experience for our customers. I guess that's why CBT Nuggets has grown by leaps and bounds during my eight years here. After work and on weekends, I enjoy reading a good book, relaxing on the Oregon Coast, enjoying the activities of my never-a-dull-moment family (It's always an adventure!) and following Oregon athletics (GO DUCKS!).

How did a PGA professional like me end up in IT sales? It was actually a natural transition. Giving golf lessons, building lasting relationships and meeting the specific needs of my students was the most satisfying aspect of my work. Now I'm having the same experiences at CBT Nuggets, and I'm excited to be part of one of the best customer service teams I've encountered. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and two children, playing golf (go figure), camping and scuba diving. One of my former career highlights was beating Tiger Woods in the final round of the Pac-10 Championship when I played collegiate golf at Oregon State University.

My past includes everything from service in the Army to sales management and an ongoing interest in IT. I'm no longer running countless miles or touring exotic locations in the armed forces, however, I have the pleasure of working with the best team I've ever encountered. At CBT Nuggets, I've found a place that shares my belief that the client relationship always comes first. I'm truly honored to be here. Away from work you will find me doing anything related to my family, technology and the outdoors.

After starting my career in sales while attending school here in Eugene (Go Ducks!) and spending several years in retail, I ventured into technical sales and networking technologies. While working in Portland, I came to Eugene to sign up CBT Nuggets for services. During our meeting, I told Dan I missed Eugene and hoped to move back some day. A month later I was CBT Nuggets' first and only sales person (at that time). Eight years later, I'm still honored to have this opportunity, and I enjoy coming to work every day. I have a wonderful, hardworking team who understands the importance of taking personal pride in their work and in the solutions they present to customers. Lucky for us, we have great products; it's a sales person's dream. Eugene is Track Town USA, so I like to run, ride my bikes, go skiing, work on my cars, game and spend time with my beautiful wife and our dog. Almost forgot, if you're ever in the Pacific Northwest, do yourself a favor and sample a few of our fine draft microbrews.

After starting my career in sales while attending school here in Eugene (Go Ducks!) and spending several years in retail, I ventured into technical sales and networking technologies. While working in Portland, I came to Eugene to sign up CBT Nuggets for services. During our meeting, I told Dan I missed Eugene and hoped to move back some day. A month later I was CBT Nuggets' first and only sales person (at that time). Eight years later, I'm still honored to have this opportunity, and I enjoy coming to work every day. I have a wonderful, hardworking team who understands the importance of taking personal pride in their work and in the solutions they present to customers. Lucky for us, we have great products; it's a sales person's dream. Eugene is Track Town USA, so I like to run, ride my bikes, go skiing, work on my cars, game and spend time with my beautiful wife and our dog. Almost forgot, if you're ever in the Pacific Northwest, do yourself a favor and sample a few of our fine draft microbrews.

I grew up in Southern California, but since then, I've been to or through most of the continental United States. Maybe traveling so much is why I enjoy talking to people from all over the world and all walks of life, hearing their stories and helping them solve problems large or small. And maybe it’s why customer service is such a natural fit for me. My background includes telecom, networking and desktop support with a healthy backing of IT knowledge. When I joined CBT Nuggets after moving to Eugene from Las Vegas, I knew I‘d found a perfect fit for my skillset. We have a great team here, focused on giving you the best possible training experience. When I'm not at work, I'm home with my wife and four beautiful children. We love to go hiking, beach combing at the Oregon Coast, or just staying home playing board and video games.

I’ve always believed there are organizations that value and respect their employees, and CBT Nuggets is one of them. Wherever I've worked, I’ve been the go-to support guy. My goal is helping customers accomplish THEIR goals, which may mean going beyond the technology (or software, or training). Quite often it's about how technology—used as a tool—can help you succeed. Prior to joining CBT Nuggets, I worked for the same company for 27 years. A transfer brought my wife (27 years and counting) and I to Eugene in 1995 where I continued my IT support role, adding network and email administrator to the mix. I’ve worn a lot of IT hats over the years, but being the “support guy” has been, and continues to be, who I am. When not fielding your calls, chats, and emails here at CBT Nuggets, you’ll likely find me pedaling my fractal-based art at shows throughout the Northwest.

I'm a problem solver who loves to help others find solutions. That's why CBT Nuggets is absolutely perfect for me. One minute I'm talking with someone in London, the next I'm emailing Sydney or answering questions via chat with Montreal. My pre-Nuggets career was spent in customer-service fields—notably golf—where I learned to make the most of my time with customers to ensure their success. Away from work, my wife and I stay busy chasing our twin boys. I also love to watch and play soccer and root for my home teams: the Seattle Seahawks and Sounders.