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 lived on a municipal island surrounded by a sea of corn. 


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 countless seminars and conferences.  I have also studied writing under Robert McKee.  My historical perspective stretches across active and turbulent decades, from the civil rights movement to the rise of the internet, social media, and global connectivity. 

My work life is a palette of colorful experiences.  I've conducted private criminal and civil investigations, from murders and kidnapping to embezzlement, and insurance investigations, including fraud.  My leadership experience ranges from overseeing an industrial security force, various sized 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 outdoor magazines, trade and online publications, three produced short plays, unproduced screenplays, and I am in the final violent throes of creating a novel. 


I am currently teaching American history and leadership at the college level and 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.   


My hobbies include fishing, music, and finding the perfect buffalo chicken wing.  My cholesterol count says I am spending too much time on one and not enough on the others.   


I have been married for nearly 34 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 grandson. 


Although countless quotes inspire and motivate, I chose one 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."



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