Where were you born?
Orlando, Florida Yes… a true “FLORIDA CRACKER”!
What led you to this career?
After many years in the Insurance and Financial Services industry, I was ready for a major change. I love to educate and get very excited sharing little known facts and interesting information about Central Florida. This is my “Dream Job” and I couldn’t be happier!
What are your hobbies?
Traveling, exploring and enjoying the great outdoors are my passions. I love to travel “near and far” and am currently working on checking trips off my “bucket list”. Enjoying the outdoors never gets old. I guess that’s why I love Florida so much! Hiking, kayaking, tubing and just enjoying nature gives me peace & restores my energy.
Do you have any pets?
I have no pets at this time. With my very active lifestyle, frequent travel and limited time at home, it would not be fair to have pets.
If you won big on the lottery, what is the first thing you would buy?
All my life I have joked with family and friends about being happy on the river with a screened room and a dock. That would have to be at the top of my list! (but it would probably involve a tiny house with A/C !).
Favorite movie of all time?
“The Princess Bride” is entertaining with multiple layers of obvious and subtle humor. It is a classic tale of love and adventure with all the components of a perfect fairytale: romance, adventure, danger and very interesting “characters”.
Favorite movie to play on a tour bus?
When possible, I like to play movies that are in keeping with the theme of the location we are visiting, so a trip to Kennedy Space Center may be highlighted by “Apollo 13” or “Space Camp”, whereas a trip to Clearwater Beach is “Dolphin Tales” (filmed in Clearwater)!
Favorite Sport and Sports team?
That’s easy: Any sport my grandson is playing and any team he is playing on. I have never been a big sports fan, but he has been instrumental in changing that! We have some great local teams that I will always support and root for, including: UCF football “GO KNIGHTS!” Orlando City Soccer and the Orlando Magic!
You are stranded on a desert island what is the one thing you must have?
As a practical issue, I would not be able to survive without drinking water for more than about 3 days. Beyond that, a super sharp knife would be extremely helpful!
If you could ask one person in history just one question, who would it be and what would you ask?
Ponce de Leon (explorer and discoverer of Florida): Where is the REAL “Fountain of Youth”?
Top Orlando tip?
Find a local and ask them their favorite places to visit, eat and hangout. Explore areas beyond the theme parks and explore the “real Florida”. Embrace new places, foods and experiences. I promise, you will not be disappointed!
Favorite Real Florida Excursion and why?
As an adventurer at heart, our Florida Adventure Day swimming with manatee in Crystal River, visiting the Homosassa Wildlife Park and riding on an airboat on the wild Withlacoochee River is my favorite, for sure!