Pride, Discipline, and Teamwork
I grew up in Hendersonville, North Carolina, where life was simple, steady, and rooted in community. My parents taught me to work hard, treat people with respect, and always show up when it matters. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my life. At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, I fully embraced being a Tar Heel. I played in the band, never missed a game during the Dean Smith era, and developed a deep sense of pride, discipline, and teamwork that still guides how I live and work today.
Finding the Right Path
Dentistry wasn’t something I planned from an early age, but it became the right fit over time. I wanted a career where I could use my hands, solve problems, and genuinely help people. Once I entered dental school, everything clicked. After graduation, I served nearly four years in the United States Navy as a dentist for the Marines. That experience shaped me in lasting ways, teaching discipline, resilience, and the importance of leading by example. It reinforced a simple truth: people are counting on you, so you show up and do your job well.
Building a Life in Lake Norman
When it came time to settle down, my wife Susanne and I chose the Lake Norman area. It felt like the right place to build both a practice and a life. More than 30 years later, it still feels like home. Susanne and I were married in 1990, and she joined the practice in 1998. We’ve built everything together—our work, our family, and our life. We have three daughters who keep us grounded, proud, and laughing. These days, I unwind simply: time with family, time on the beach, and catching a Carolina game when I can.
Principles That Guide Me
My parents were my first example of integrity, and the Navy reinforced it in a powerful way. Do the right thing, even when it’s difficult. That principle has guided me through every stage of my career. Building a dental practice hasn’t come without challenges, but staying focused on people has always kept me steady. At the end of the day, I’m most proud of my family and the trust our patients have placed in us. Dentistry is about relationships, consistency, and doing things the right way, one patient at a time.
Photo credits to Chelsea Bren of Chelsea Bren Photo + Design.
