Music and theater were a large part of my academic life for many years. I participated in musicals at my local church, which evolved into a passion during my high school years. I joined the Thespian Troupe at Bolingbrook High School from 2001 – 2003 performing in fall plays and spring musicals. My most memorable role was playing FDR in Annie. I performed in Bolingbrook High School’s Sunrise Singers and the Madrigals / Vocal Jazz Ensemble. This gave me the opportunity to perform in Disney World. It is important to note that many of these activities were shared with a former student of NBCM, Rachel Klippel.
From early kindergarten to my senior year, I was heavily involved with scouting. In 2003, I was honored to have earned the rank of Eagle Scout from Troop 34 in Bolingbrook, IL.
Soon came the college years. I continued my education at JJC and earned my Associates. This time provided the opportunity to experience college level theater and choir. I took acting classes and evolved at JJC with a true interest in theater. I was in a variety of musicals and plays earning awards for some of the roles I played including Best Actor in a Drama for 12 Angry Jurors.
My interest in music carried over to ISU with involvement in University Choir / Men’s Glee and an independent acapella group called The Normal Guys (ISU is in Normal, IL). My interest in Theater grew stronger. When I transferred to Illinois State University, I declared a double major: Political Science with a focus in Public Administration, and Theater with a focus in Acting/Production. My father said I had the opportunity to either be the president of the Screen Actors Guild, or President of the United States of America. I discovered and honed many of my skills for organization, collaboration, and presentation during this time, and it opened the door to my current job. During my last year at ISU, I was asked to participate in a search committee to select a new head of the MFA acting program. This opportunity would be a preview of my future career.
From an early age at NBCM, I was encouraged and provided the freedom to participate, grow, and learn. It set the stage for finding interest in the possibilities of yes, rather than the comfort and certainty of no. After college, I began working at LTC Global in Burr Ridge, IL. This full service marketing company specialized in Senior Market insurance products like Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage, Life Insurance, Long Term Care and Annuities. I soon began working in training and later recruiting roles that expanded each year each year with the growing success I experienced. In my Fourth year with the company, I was promoted to Director of Recruiting.
Last year was a big year for me; I married my beautiful wife Linda. I also left LTC Global to work for DS Services of America. You may know them locally as Hinckley Springs Water. I work as a Talent Acquisition Specialist for the Northern Division. I am responsible for the staffing and recruiting needs of 70 facilities making up 1,500 associates. I travel and work in major markets like Chicago, New York City, Boston, and many more. I think NBCM played a critical role in my job with Hinckley Springs. I have fond memories of the tan steel Hinckley Schmidt water cooler in the first NBCM building. I would stand by the water cooler with Jeremy Pack many times. We would fill multiple cups of water just to see the air bubbles escape to the top of the 5 gallon jug. We found ourselves in time-out, but little did I know that story would cause my current boss to erupt in laughter during my first interview. I think that trouble paid off in the advancement to a second interview 23 years later. Time-outs can bring you success!