For the past 13 years, my family and I have proudly called Stony Creek Ridge home. This neighborhood has become home in every sense of the word, and it has also provided my wife, Shannon, the foundation to give back through her charitable work in ways that have made a lasting difference.

Professionally, I’ve spent my career at the intersection of enterprise technology and the automotive industry, helping some of the world’s largest automotive manufacturers and mobility companies harness the power of artificial intelligence to transform how they sell, service, and connect with customers. Whether serving as an engineer, product executive, CEO, CTO, or now leading enterprise sales focused on AI and agentic technology, one belief has remained constant: technology shouldn’t simply automate what already exists, it should redefine what’s possible.

My journey began as a software engineer, and I’m grateful for that foundation because it allows me to understand technology at its core. Over the years, I transitioned from building connected vehicle platforms to leading product and engineering organizations before moving into executive leadership. Today, I have the opportunity to work with technical leaders, financial executives, and sales organizations alike, helping them shift the conversation from asking, “What can AI do?” to asking, “What can we now accomplish that was previously impossible?” That change in perspective is where true innovation begins.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is watching organizations experience that breakthrough moment. Many companies initially view AI as simply another tool for cutting costs or increasing efficiency. While those benefits certainly exist, the real opportunity lies in reimagining entire business models. Walt Disney referred to this mindset as “plussing it” always asking what more is possible. Others call it 10x thinking. Too often, organizations rush to automate inefficient processes instead of questioning whether those processes should exist in the first place. Helping leaders rethink long-held assumptions before they scale them is one of the most challenging and fulfilling parts of my job.

Technology evolves at an extraordinary pace, and staying current requires constant curiosity. I spend time with researchers, engineers, entrepreneurs, and innovators who are building technologies the broader market may not see for several more years. I regularly speak at industry conferences and participate on panels, but perhaps more importantly, I listen. I also rely on AI every single day not as a novelty, but as a genuine extension of how I think, create, and solve problems. Reading about AI can only take you so far. Eventually, you have to jump in and experience it firsthand.

Looking back over my career, I’m proud to have contributed to two of the most significant technology transformations in modern history: connected vehicles and now artificial intelligence. While professional accomplishments and leadership positions have certainly been rewarding, what matters most is remaining curious. In an industry that constantly evolves, continuing to learn may be the greatest achievement of all.

Outside of work, giving back has always been important to me. I’m proud to support Folds of Honor, which provides educational scholarships for the families of fallen and disabled service members. I’m also actively involved with Digital Lakes, a Michigan initiative dedicated to connecting students with meaningful career opportunities while helping retain exceptional technology talent here in our state. Mentoring young professionals is another passion of mine because investing in the next generation ultimately benefits all of us. Closer to home, I proudly support the Glamorous Moms Foundation, founded by my wife Shannon, which continues to make a meaningful impact advocating for women’s health and child welfare throughout Metro Detroit.

As exciting as today is, I believe the next two years will be unlike anything we’ve experienced before. We’re rapidly moving from AI that simply assists people to AI that can reason, plan, and act autonomously. Agentic AI is no longer a futuristic concept, it’s already changing how some of the world’s largest organizations operate, and the automotive industry is proving to be one of its most exciting applications. Companies willing to embrace this transformation now will shape the future for decades to come.

Living in Stony Creek Ridge has also influenced how I view technology’s impact. I see opportunities everywhere from helping local businesses better serve their customers to preparing today’s students for careers where AI literacy will be just as essential as reading and writing. I believe one of my responsibilities is helping demystify artificial intelligence so people view it as an opportunity rather than something to fear. AI isn’t reserved for Silicon Valley or major corporations. It’s coming to neighborhoods like ours, to small businesses throughout Rochester, and into our everyday lives.

If there’s one lesson I’ve learned throughout my career, it’s this: be a learner, not a knower. The moment we believe we’ve figured everything out is the moment we stop growing. Curiosity keeps us adaptable, challenges our assumptions, and opens doors we never imagined possible. AI isn’t replacing human potential, it has the power to amplify it. Every generation experiences a technological shift that changes what’s possible. This is ours, and I encourage everyone to embrace it with curiosity, confidence, and an open mind.