I believe the ability to adapt to unfamiliar environments is an underrated skill.  The people who are most effective are those who go into new situations with openness and a willingness to challenge their own assumptions.  They're the ones who learn the new environment quickly, develop the relationships they need to succeed, and find creative ways to make steady progress toward their larger objectives without alienating those around them.

Interesting Things About Me

I met my wife in Kenya.  I spent 8 years in East Africa (between 1987 and 1995).  During this time, I operated my own software development company, worked on a wide range of interesting and useful projects, made lots of friends, and learned to speak Swahili and some Kikuyu.  But the most important outcome of my extended stay in Kenya was that I met my wife, Njeri.  Both of our beautiful girls (Malina and Mumbi) were born in Nairobi. 

My Early Adventure in Mexico.  When I was in high school, I participated in a cultural exchange program in Mexico City for a summer.  This experience opened my eyes to how really exciting the world is, and planted in me a deep appreciation for Mexican culture.

Working and Living in South America.  My early experience in Mexico led me to return to Latin America when I was 20, this time as an English teacher in Colombia.  I spent a year in Colombia, Peru and Mexico, and become very fluent in Spanish.  I also gained confidence in my ability to adapt to unfamiliar situations, and discovered that I enjoy the stimulation and growth that comes from living abroad. 

My First Professional Job.  After my Latin American adventure, I returned to Los Angeles and got a job working for a consulting firm that specialized in preparing environmental impact reports.  Jim Hinzdel & Associates was a small firm, and during the next 7 years I participated in all aspects of the business, including technical writing, report preparation, invoicing and analytical work.  It was here that I learned computer programming.  I worked full time (>35 hrs/wk) while completing my BA at UCLA.

Volunteer Work.  As an undergraduate, I regularly volunteered at a Los Angeles medical clinic for Salvadoran refugees (Clinica Monsenor Oscar Romero), taking patient histories, working as a translator and helping recently arrived immigrants locate free or inexpensive community services.

Micro-enterprise Finance.  The development project I'm most proud of was my work in Kenya developing a loan management system for micro-lending programs that provide loans to rural entrepreneurs (mostly women) who otherwise would be unable to get financing for their projects.  My program, LoanMaster, made it possible for loan officers at low cost to keep track of loan interest and principal accruals and savings account activity for thousands of small loans.

Language Skills.  I learn languages easily, and unlike many people I enjoy the process.  It's fun seeing the way people open up to you when you invest the energy to learn their language.  I speak 5 languages (4 fluently), including English, Spanish, Swahili, French and Kikuyu. 

5 Companies in 3 Years!.   Between 1999 and 2001, I experienced 4 mergers and a number of major corporate restructuring exercises.  The odyssey began when I joined a small network engineering company in Los Angeles in 1999.  Four months later, we were acquired by a slightly larger web hosting company, and eight months after that we were acquired by a much larger web hosting company (Digital Island). 15 months later, when the Internet frenzy had subsided and Digital Island stock fell below a dollar, we were acquired by a large telecom company (Cable & Wireless), and shortly afterwards merged with another large web hosting company (Exodus). At each juncture, the company I was working for was on the 'acquired' side of the transaction, and my colleagues and I had to find a home in the new organization.  I was able to thrive in this topsy-turvy environment, and remained with the company until shortly before Cable & Wireless declared bankruptcy in early 2004.

Downloadable Resume and CV