History

I served 32 years in the United States Navy with 30 of those years in Naval Special Warfare. After years of driving mini-submarines, deploying to various countries in peacetime and combat, I was assigned as a Command Master Chief. In this role, I spent 11 years as the primary advisor for 9 different commanders and primary mentor for hundreds of Sailors across multiple operational theaters. During those 11 years, and with the help and guidance of my own mentors and coaches, I developed and refined my unique style of teaching, mentoring, and coaching. After seeing the positive impact I had on so many Sailors, I came to realize that this was more that just giving advice and guidance, what I was doing was truly transformational for people. I drew inspiration from the feedback I received and came to discover that coaching was my purpose. This purpose was reaffirmed when I went through a highly specialized transition program to assist Special Operations Forces military members in leaving the military and reentering the civilian workforce. Run by the Honor Foundation, this transition program used assessments, strength building, and developing one’s “WHY” to give them a clear path for the future. My “WHY” is to help others Chart their Course so they can Navigate to Success.

That is why I started Bright Helm. Why “Bright Helm”? Because of my years working in and around the water before the days of GPS, I, like all my teammates, relied on a good chart (maps for bodies of water), a good course that steers clear of shoals and obstacles, and a solid understanding of tides, currents, winds, and your compass. With all these elements handled, it was still down to one person to take the Helm and steer the vessel to the destination. So, when I think of what I can do for others, I liken it to teaching about the dangers ahead, how to read the wind, how to compensate for tides and currents, and how to chart a good course through the potential hazards. What I can’t do is take the helm for them. To me, Bright Helm represents the shining brass and wooden wheel that steers one’s life. I can help you Chart your Course, but it is up to you to take that wheel and navigate to a better tomorrow.