After 24 years of dedicated service in the U.S. Navy, including time on submarines USS Dallas and USS Albuquerque, I transitioned from military leadership to business ownership. My journey is one of resilience, adaptation, and is rooted in commitment to service both in uniform and as a franchise owner of Next Day Access in North Houston and Katy, Texas.
Upon graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, I served eight years on active duty and then another 12 years in the Navy Reserve. In 2014, I retired from the Navy while working in Houston’s oil and gas industry where I held various leadership positions. I built a strong corporate career until the unforeseen impact of COVID-19 led to losing my job in 2020.
During that time of uncertainty, I decided to take a leap of faith into business ownership. Despite the Navy’s reputation for risk-taking, submariners are known for their calculated, methodical decision-making. We’re the ones who think twice before pressing big red buttons, after all. This strategic mindset served me well in choosing my next career move.
Translating Military Experience into Business Success
I attribute my military background as the cornerstone of my entrepreneurial success. The ability to adapt to challenges, maintain discipline and lead diverse teams played a crucial role in establishing my business. In the Navy, mission accomplishment required versatility and teamwork and those traits seamlessly translated into running a franchise.
As a business owner, my daily duties range from installations and service work to marketing, sales and financial analysis. Military leadership taught me to work with people from all backgrounds, which now helps in hiring and training employees based on our company’s core values.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is engaging with customers and referral networks. My military background provides an instant bond with many clients, often leading to shared stories and deeper connections.
Why Next Day Access
My decision to join Next Day Access was deeply personal. My wife, Kelly, a physical therapist, previously owned a home health business. In early 2020, tragedy struck our family when Kelly’s sister suffered a life-altering car accident, leaving her a quadriplegic. While Kelly understood the medical challenges ahead, we were unprepared for the complexities of home modifications needed to support a person with considerable challenges.
Our personal experience with accessibility modifications proved frustrating and costly. When I lost my corporate job, we decided to explore franchise opportunities. A recruiter presented us with hundreds of options, but we quickly gravitated toward senior services. Houston, with its large population of aging residents, veterans and renowned medical centers specializing in rehabilitation, was an ideal market. After thorough research, we found Next Day Access to be a perfect fit for our family in both mission and impact. The business aligned with our values and allowed us to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Growth and Achievements
Despite starting the business during the unstable times of 2021, I set a clear goal not just to grow, but to be excellent in every service we provided. By focusing on quality and customer satisfaction, Next Day Access of North Houston quickly gained a reputation for reliability and excellence.
Our hard work paid off. In 2022, I was named Next Day Access Franchise Rookie of the Year, an achievement driven by remarkable business growth and an outstanding reputation for service. Additionally, we have built strong relationships with charitable organizations, churches, school districts and the VA, ensuring that safe accessibility solutions reach those who need them most.
A Family Legacy
For Kelly and me, Next Day Access is more than just a business—it’s a long-term commitment and potential family legacy. Our sons, Ross (22) and Dirk (18), are already deeply involved. Ross works full-time as a lead technician, and Dirk, currently earning a dual-credit Associate’s Degree in Business Management, plans to enlist in the Navy before returning to run the business alongside his brother.
A recent event reinforced just how much of an impact our work can have. During the holiday season, Ross encountered a client experiencing a severe COPD-related breathing episode. Rather than panic, he immediately called 911 a decision that, according to EMS, saved the client’s life. Moments like these affirm that our business is more than just providing accessibility solutions; it’s about truly making a difference.
Reflecting on my journey from submariner to entrepreneur, I remember the immense value of my military experience. The discipline, adaptability, and leadership cultivated in the Navy have been instrumental in building a thriving business. Next Day Access of North Houston is not just a company to me. It’s a mission. One that my family and I are honored to fulfill. With a strong foundation and a passion for service, our family is set to make a lasting impact in our community.