As a teenager my family and I moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana from Connersville, Indiana in 1984. I attended and graduated from Bishop Luers High School in 1986. I met my wonderful wife in Fort Wayne and from that moment on things are history; we have been married for the past 17 years we have 5 beautiful children together, 3 girls and 2 boys. I have been employed with Norfolk Southern Railroad for 10 years, and have worked my way up within the company to my current position of Assistant Trainmaster.

As early as I can remember my family had various breeds of dogs, but they always favored the Golden Retriever. I was raised and taught how to be a responsible pet owner and learned early on that as long as you care, love and give proper guidance you will receive no greater reward than that of a loyal loving pet. I met Ron Byers about 18 years ago when I watched him work his first dog “Shultz”. How amazed I was at his obedient behavior, the willingness to please and the bond they shared together. I couldn’t stop watching them and decide to find out how I could do the same thing. Now I am addicted to dog training and the sport of schutzhund. I have trained several different breeds, but I enjoy to own, handle and train the German Shepherd dog. The dog that I compete with also must be a family pet and good citizen of my community. I encourage my children to get involve with and participate in the care giving and training of each of my dogs. Training dogs for completion, clients, fun and work gives me great fulfillment and joy. I am currently a member of 3 Rivers Working Dog Association and Schutzhund USA.