The word “Maverick” perfectly encapsulates [the subject’s] life – a life characterized by shattering expectations and transforming every obstacle into an opportunity. At the young age of 15, a diving accident in the Bahamas resulted in a C6 quadriplegic diagnosis, an event that many might perceive as life-limiting. However, for him, it was a catalyst for profound personal growth. That pivotal day, when he experienced clinical death for 2.5 minutes after drowning, became a defining moment, shaping his life in remarkable ways.
Instead of succumbing to limitations, this near-fatal experience ignited an unyielding determination to transcend boundaries. He relentlessly pursued success, ascending the corporate ladder, achieving the extraordinary feat of becoming the world’s first quadriplegic rescue scuba diver, and conquering 12 marathons in 12 months. His story is not merely about inspiration; it’s a testament to proactive resilience – discovering “loopholes” to thrive beyond self-imposed and externally enforced limitations.
In 2021, a thrilling new chapter unfolded: car racing. Living in close proximity to Lime Rock Park, a premier racing circuit, coupled with a lifelong passion for speed and a track-day experience gifted by his wife, Maggie, propelled him into the exhilarating world of motorsports. Racing became more than just a hobby; it became an embodiment of liberation. Once securely strapped into his hand-controlled Porsche GT4 Cayman Clubsport MR, he transcends his wheelchair, competing as an equal on the racetrack. Since embarking on this journey, he has participated in prestigious series including International GT, SCCA, and the World Racing League, achieving podium finishes and unlocking exciting opportunities. These include appearances in Pennzoil commercials, brand ambassadorships with Volkswagen, and an eagerly anticipated project launching in March.
Alt text: High-speed car race at Lime Rock Park showcasing the thrill of motorsport.
Beyond the adrenaline-fueled world of racing, he has cultivated a successful career as a marketing strategist, currently holding the position of Chief Marketing Officer at Aloqia. His professional trajectory includes leadership roles at renowned agencies such as Deloitte Consulting, J Walter Thompson, BBDO, and R/GA. Furthermore, he co-founded the Just Hands Foundation, an organization dedicated to introducing adaptive athletes to the empowering worlds of performance driving and mountain biking. His endeavors, both on and off the track, are driven by a deep-seated desire to empower others – not just through motivational rhetoric, but by providing tangible pathways to overcome their personal “wheelchairs,” whether visible or invisible, and transform challenges into sources of strength.
Alt text: A Porsche GT4 Cayman Clubsport MR, a high-performance racing car, equipped for competitive car drivers.
Currently residing in Sharon, CT, with Maggie and their dog, Beau, he embraces life as an ongoing adventure. Through racing, public speaking, and sharing his compelling narrative, he aims to demonstrate that limitations are frequently self-constructed illusions. Whether confronting physical disabilities, PTSD, relationship complexities, professional hurdles, or any other life challenge, the essence lies in recognizing internal barriers, pushing beyond them, and embracing the boundless possibilities that lie ahead. His story is a powerful reminder that anyone can become a skilled Car Driver, or achieve any ambitious goal, regardless of perceived limitations.
