I was lucky to grow up in New Canaan Connecticut and attend the Hotchkiss School and Bucknell University where I majored in English and Psychology and played lacrosse. During my summers growing up, I worked on a golf course maintenance crew, attended a survival camp, caddied, worked on Mississippi River tugboats, and interned at a brokerage firm on Wall Street. I began my professional career in New York City working in Media Relations for HBO during its meteoric rise.  While living in Greenwich Village, I was President of my five-building co-op. After serving as National Proposal Manager for Price Waterhouse, I left the corporate world in 1988 to pursue my own sustainable business ventures.
In 1991, my wife at the time and I opened Earthwares, in Carrboro, NC - the first green retail store in North Carolina. In 1993, I bought 25 acres in Snow Camp, NC, and built the first straw bale house and later, the first natural swimming pool in North Carolina.  In 1998, my business partner and I incorporated Sustainable Living Inc., a house moving and renovation company that branched off into many areas including land development, commercial and residential properties, trailer parks, apartment buildings, single-family residences, vacation and rental properties. In 2011, I formed my own construction company, Zortacular LLC, doing various construction projects both commercial and residential, which continues to this day.
Since 1993, I have been working on my homestead/sanctuary/personal slice of paradise which I share with my life partner Jenny.  In 2023, I decided to apply my accumulated wisdom to helping others enjoy the lifestyle we enjoy. The Homestead Guru Consulting Services and Workshops welcomes you.