My first career out of the gate was in private security.  I was known as “the protector”, the guy who you should go to if the world goes to shit. I suppose I owned that title and didn’t mind because at that age I was searching for an identity. I figured out later that this is not who I am. The problem was- I enjoyed being silly and making people laugh, and I loved playing music and writing.  This had to stay a hobby though, right? I’m not Glenn Frey or Taylor Swift.

After years I became very tired of all the stress and crazy work hours.  I left that field and just wanted an easy Mon-Fri job and I found one. I met so many great people and found myself enjoying my social life and feeling like a different person. Pranking people at work and clocking out after 8 hours every day was cool AND it gave me time to play music and my co-workers came out to support me.  Unfortunately, corporate shenanigans led to turnover and I found myself back to starting over.

I decided to give music and writing more of a focus and just get a part-time job to support myself financially.  This worked out nicely until I was offered a position in property management with good money and perks. I took this thinking I could still juggle the real job with the hobby.  The real job took over and after 8 long years of intense stress, I needed to find something less serious.

I went back to performing again and working in the wine industry.  Eventually, I realized that I could have a really fun career in that industry.  How much more laid back could you get? Wine, people that love wine, and exercising your creativity = perfect, right? Wrong. It was stressful working with the wrong people.  So, we started a new winery.  Once again, work became the stress that consumed me.  After three and a half years of unhealthy living, it was time to move on, I finally made the abrupt decision that enough was enough and walked away.

The part I’m not mentioning is I had two heart “incidents”. One occurred in 2010 and the other in 2024.  It became abundantly clear this last time that the key to surviving is to eliminate stress, stop worrying about what to do, and start creating my own path of doing all of the things I enjoy.  I’m not Brian the musician, Brian the writer, Brian the gym rat, or even Brian the wine guy.  I’m just me. I can do all of the things I enjoy and help people get on the track of doing the best things for themselves at the same time!

So now my life is about wellness, creative ventures, experiencing happiness, and surrounding myself with the right people.  I think that should be the mission for all of us- so let's help each other do it!

-Brian