My Story
The experiences, challenges, and adventures that have shaped who I am today.
Where It Started
Hi, I'm Chad.
I was born and raised in Iowa, but life has given me the opportunity to call several places home over the years, including Florida, Texas, Nebraska, and Nevada. Each place introduced me to new people, different perspectives, and experiences that helped shape who I am today.
At my core, I'm someone who values experiences, personal growth, meaningful relationships, and the opportunity to keep learning. I've never been content standing still for very long. I enjoy challenging myself, exploring new places, meeting new people, and finding opportunities to grow through the experiences life puts in front of me.
Always Learning
One thing that's been consistent throughout my life is a desire to learn, explore, and try new things. Whether it's learning a new skill, taking on a different role, visiting a place I've never been, or stepping outside my comfort zone, I've always been drawn to new experiences.
That curiosity has led me down some interesting paths. Throughout my career, I've worked in healthcare, hospitality, logistics, solar energy, heavy equipment operation, delivery services, and behavioral support. Along the way, I've spent much of my career in leadership and management roles, helping build teams, solve problems, and support the people around me. While those roles may seem unrelated on the surface, each one has taught me something valuable and contributed to the person I've become.
Today, I work supporting adults with intellectual and behavioral disabilities, helping them build independence, overcome challenges, and work toward meaningful goals. It's a role that has strengthened my appreciation for patience, compassion, and the impact that small acts of support can have in someone's life.
A Different Perspective
A few years ago, life handed me a challenge I never expected when I was diagnosed with cancer. Going through treatment changed my perspective in ways I never could have anticipated. It taught me not to take time, health, relationships, or opportunities for granted. More than anything, it reinforced a simple truth: tomorrow isn't promised.
That chapter of my life changed the way I approach the world. Instead of waiting for the perfect time, I've become more intentional about creating memories, exploring new places, investing in meaningful relationships, and pursuing the things that genuinely matter. I've learned that some of life's greatest rewards come from embracing uncertainty, taking chances, and saying yes to experiences that push us beyond what feels comfortable.
Life Today
The same mindset carries over into my personal life. I enjoy traveling, hiking, road trips, photography, and discovering places I've never been before. Some of my favorite memories have come from simply deciding to go, explore, and see what happens. Whether it's hiking up a mountain, standing at the edge of a canyon, trying something completely new, or taking a spontaneous trip just because the opportunity presented itself, I'm happiest when I'm creating experiences rather than collecting things.
I've learned that growth rarely happens when we're standing still, and many of life's best moments begin the moment we decide to try something new.
These days, I'm focused on continuing to grow, staying healthy, exploring more of the world, and building a life filled with experiences that matter.