From a young age, I was captivated by vintage aircraft, aviation, and how mechanical systems work. Early experiences like building model planes and attending airshows played a major part in nurturing my lasting enthusiasm for both aviation and history.

My engagement grew through regular visits to airshows and restoration hangars, fueling my desire to interact with a variety of aircraft. Although I didn’t start out flying these planes, working on historic aircraft with the Collings Foundation during their annual U.S. tours gave me valuable hands-on maintenance experience—replacing tires, oil, and various components—under the guidance of seasoned professionals. By sixteen, I was serving as crew chief for the B-24 Witchcraft, taking on this role at several locations across the country throughout the coming years, which further expanded my skills and readied me for greater responsibilities.

At nineteen, I joined AeroTrader and spent more than ten years maintaining a wide array of aircraft. My career highlights include an assignment in France to change a DC-3 engine and earning my Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license, which deepened my technical expertise and led to a pivotal mentorship. Thanks to this relationship, I was entrusted with a 1957 Beechcraft H-35 Bonanza—the very plane I first piloted—which provided extraordinary opportunities for my growth as both a mechanic and pilot. My dedication to enhancing my abilities and helping preserve and operate vintage aircraft continues to drive me forward. This is just a snippet of what I have done in the past and I could go on further talking about it but I have a B-25 Mitchell and an A-26 Invader to get too Oshkosh 2026! Congratulations to everyone who have been nominated for the 20 under 40 award and thank you to those who nominated me. Keep Em’ Flying!!