麻豆视频

Q: Can you share your journey to becoming an instructor at Delaware Tech? When did you start and what were you doing before?

"I started teaching in October 2021 as an adjunct at POLYTECH School District, leading Foundations of Construction classes for inmates at Howard R. Young Correctional Institution. In January 2022, I joined Delaware Tech as an adjunct and went full time a year later. Before that, I spent 20 years in the Marine Corps, retiring in 2020 after a career focused on leadership and training. I also have 30 years in construction, working in everything from labor to project management."

Q: What is your favorite thing about working at Delaware Tech? What do you find most rewarding about teaching at Delaware Tech?

"I love the variety of students — high schoolers, homeschool teens, working adults, and career changers — all in the same room, ready to learn hands-on skills. The most rewarding part is seeing that aha moment when someone finally gets how to frame a wall, read a blueprint, or solve a safety problem on their own. Knowing they leave with the ability to fix their home, earn a good living, or lead a crew with confidence — that's what makes it all worthwhile."

Q: How would you describe your teaching philosophy?

"Keep it real, practical, and engaging. I run my classes like a small construction company: students rotate through different roles, see how everything connects, and build life skills like responsibility, curiosity, and giving full effort. I use hands-on projects, direct instruction, and plenty of guiding questions. Success means every student has at least one moment where they figure something out themselves — and own it."

Q: What challenges have you faced in your career, and how have you overcome them? What changes have you seen in yourself since you started working here?

"The biggest challenge was adjusting the intensity I brought from the military and job sites to a college setting. Early on, some students pushed back against high expectations. I learned to build trust through open conversations, clear standards, and showing how accountability pays off. Since joining Delaware Tech, I've become more patient, more flexible, and better at listening. I've also found that a little humor and a well-timed laugh at a sawdust-covered mistake go a long way — students learn best when they're engaged, not overwhelmed."

Q: Can you share a significant achievement or milestone in your professional journey?

"I'm the first in my family to earn a college degree, and now I'm working on a master's degree in construction management. Becoming a full-time instructor still feels surreal — like I'm the grown-up in the room. But seeing students I taught years ago return as supervisors, crew leaders, or even instructors themselves? That's the real milestone."

Q: What are your interests or hobbies outside of the College?

"I own a small timber farm and run a handyman business on the side. It keeps me in the field, solving real problems and staying sharp on the tools."

Q: What advice would you give to students pursuing a career in your field?

"Show up on time, every time. Give full effort, even when no one's watching. Ask questions — there's no such thing as a dumb one on a job site. Master the basics: read plans, measure accurately, and treat safety like your best friend. The trades reward hustle, reliability, and problem-solving. Keep learning, get certified, and build a reputation. One solid job leads to many more."

Q: Is there a particular experience or lesson that has profoundly impacted your teaching or outlook on education?

"It's when former students come back — now adults taking advanced classes or working in the field as supervisors or crew leaders. I think back to when they couldn't read a tape measure, and now they're teaching others the same skills I showed them. That's when you realize the impact goes far beyond the classroom."

Q: What's something people may not know about you?

"Despite the beard, the Marine background, and the ‘Duck Dynasty' look, I'm actually pretty laid-back and easy to talk to. I'm here to help, not intimidate."

Q: What are your future goals?

"I'm finishing my master's in construction management and working toward my home inspector license. I'd love to expand our construction programs — add advanced certifications, grow the homeschool track, and maybe launch a veteran-to-trades transition program or a contractor development program. Above all, I want to keep sharing practical knowledge and trust that, years from now, a student will be on a job site, nailing a perfect layout, and think, ‘Yeah, I remember who taught me that.' "