ABOUT

About Joe

Hi, I'm Joe.

I was born and raised in southwestern Pennsylvania, surrounded by coal miners, factory workers, bus drivers, janitors, farmers, craftsmen, and mechanics. Since then, I've lived in rural, urban, and suburban areas across multiple states, enjoyed mountains, lakes, and streams, tolerated seemingly endless commutes and the winds of the midwestern plains.

I have a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and a Master's in American History. I have studied executive leadership and communications at the Aspen Leadership Institute, Oxford University, the Thunderbird School of Global Management, and through countless seminars and conferences. I have also studied writing under Robert McKee. My historical research and perspective stretch across the active and turbulent decades beginning with the start of the cold war through to the rise of the internet, social media, and global connectivity.

My work life is a palette of colorful experiences. I've conducted a variety of private criminal and civil investigations, including murder, kidnapping, embezzlement, and insurance fraud. My leadership experience ranges from overseeing an industrial security force and local and regional corporate operations, to leading the public relations and communications functions for a Fortune 50 company. During my years in public relations and communications, I engaged in strategic communications and business planning, reputation management, media relations, social media, crisis management, and internal communications, including speech writing and communications consulting for the Chairman and CEO.

As a freelance writer, I have penned local newspaper columns, articles for national magazines, trade, and online publications, and three produced short plays. My filing cabinet holds some screenplays, a full-length play, and a novel. One of my screenplays passed through many hands in Hollywood, and although it was loved, was never produced.

I taught American history and leadership at the college level and am involved in historical research projects. My primary project is the biography of John Ehrlichman, who served as White House counsel and assistant to the president in domestic affairs under President Richard Nixon.

I've taken the stage as an actor, comedian, public speaker, and master of ceremonies and stood behind the curtain as a director, assistant director, and stage manager. In the communities where I lived, I supported various non-profits, including leading the boards of a public television station and an animal rescue. I currently serve on the board of three non-profits.

My hobbies include fishing and music. I spend portions of the year in Montana fishing the Madison River and relaxing in the town of Ennis. After a four decade pause, I returned to playing trumpet.

I have been married for over 36 years to Christina, a role model for patience and understanding. We are the proud parents of two loving and successful children and grandparents to the world's most intelligent and entertaining grandkids.

Although countless quotes inspire and motivate, my favorite is attributed to Frank Abagnale, a con man whose most ambitious con may have been convincing the world he was one.

"A real man loves his wife and places his family as the most important thing in life.

Nothing has brought me more peace and content in life than simply being a good husband and father."