Product Leader & EdTech Innovator

My tech journey started at age 16 when I founded my first venture—a PC repair and networking business that helped local companies integrate technology into their operations. That early entrepreneurial experience taught me the value of solving real problems with technology.

After running a media and managed IT company, I transitioned into education technology, where I found my true calling. I spent 13 years with Jenzabar, an ERP/SIS company, where I led the Student Portal and Learning Management division, managing a team of 20+ across product, UX/CX, development, testing, and DevOps.

Along the way, I founded EdSolio, a startup focused on competency-based education that provided comprehensive views of student achievement and work. While the company eventually closed, the experience reinforced my belief in the power of data-driven insights for student success.

Today, as President at BlackBeltHelp, I focus on the strategic direction and evolution of our AI-powered educational support platform. My mission remains the same: creating successful learners by ensuring students interact with higher education institutions at optimal times and through appropriate channels.

Inspired by a family computer that always needed fixing, I've focused my career on problem-solving through technology. Whether it's transforming a services company into a software + services hybrid, leading AI strategy shifts from DialogFlow to semantic search with RAG, or building product development teams across continents, I'm driven by the challenge of turning complex problems into elegant solutions.

Outside of my professional work, I'm passionate about open source software. My Sendspin ecosystem—spanning Android, Windows, Linux, and web platforms—reflects my love for creating cohesive, cross-platform solutions. I also tinker with home automation, from smart devices to Arduino-powered chicken coop doors.

I regularly share insights on AI in education and product leadership. Recent engagements include speaking at Futures Summit 2024 on "AI in the workforce" and writing about institutional approaches to artificial intelligence implementation.

I believe in the power of knowledge sharing and frequently lead conferences and webinars for both internal and external stakeholders, helping others navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of EdTech and AI.