About Me
Innovative Technologist and Leader Elevating Sustainable Solutions in Supply Chain and AI Integration
My Story
With over 25 years of professional experience, my journey has been anything but linear. I've pivoted my focus roughly every 2-4 years, collecting an arsenal of tools and perspectives that arm me to tackle complex business challenges head-on. From building global cloud networks for tech giants like Oracle to serving as a firefighter in the USMC, each chapter of my life has ingrained me with unique skills and a holistic view of systems—whether they're data centers or supply chains.
In my role at Always Cool Brands, I've melded my expertise in technology with a deep commitment to sustainability and consumer welfare. Here, I have revolutionized private labeling and supply chain engineering by applying cutting-edge tools like LLMs and LangChain. These advances not only streamline supplier sourcing but also enhance the transparency and quality of FDA-regulated products. This work epitomizes my belief in leveraging technology to create socially and environmentally responsible solutions.
Operational excellence is another cornerstone of my professional approach. At Oracle, I led a Network Reliability Engineering team, a specialized SRE unit, to a remarkable 58% YoY reduction in customer outage minutes. This was achieved by harmoniously integrating Google's SRE model, DevOps principles, Marine Corps leadership, and proven engineering practices into a cohesive strategy for success.
My leadership style is deeply influenced by my time in the Marine Corps. The concept of 'servant leadership' underpins every team I lead, every project I undertake, and every challenge I confront. This philosophy is further enriched by a perpetual beginner's mindset, which helps me stay agile and receptive to change, thus facilitating my regular shifts in technological focus.
In my free time, the balance I seek is found in kiteboarding around the globe and skiing during the winter months. Based in Austin, I frequently hit the slopes in Colorado, particularly Vail (my 'local' mountain via Southwest Airlines), Park City, and Tahoe, splitting my time between Austin and the mountains. When not on the slopes, I enjoy tending to my thriving garden and immersing myself in the vibrant food and music scenes in Austin. These activities not only refresh me but also offer a tangible connection to the sustainability and community values I advocate for professionally.
AI & LangChain Integration
Harnessing the power of AI and LangChain is no longer a futuristic dream but a present-day reality. My work at Always Cool Brands has been instrumental in integrating generative AI tooling into supply chain engineering. The focus is not merely on efficiency but also on embedding transparency and sustainability into our systems. LangChain allows us to smartly match suppliers with our quality and sustainability metrics, reshaping how businesses think about responsible sourcing.
Community Leadership in AI
As the founder and leader of the Austin LangChain AI Middleware Users Group, I've built a thriving community of nearly 1,000 AI enthusiasts and practitioners in Austin. Recognized as a LangChain Ambassador, I facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration in the rapidly evolving field of AI middleware. Our group serves as a hub for innovation, bringing together professionals and enthusiasts to explore and advance the practical applications of LangChain and related technologies in business and development.
Incident Management & Marine Corps Experience
The values of integrity, discipline, and courage instilled in me during my time as a firefighter in the Marine Corps continue to inform my leadership style. These experiences equipped me with an acute understanding of incident management. I've applied these principles effectively in business environments, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and learning. This ethos was evident in my work leading Network Reliability Engineering at Oracle, where we saw a 58% YoY reduction in customer outage minutes.
Sustainable Innovation in Supply Chain
As we navigate the exigencies of a rapidly changing world, the role of sustainable innovation in supply chain management cannot be overstated. By combining ISO, SQF, and IWA 42 guidelines with advanced data analytics, we're not only meeting but exceeding compliance standards at Always Cool Brands. This dedication to sustainability transcends our operational objectives and becomes a commitment to our consumers and the planet.
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