What’s up Homie,

I grew up in a multicultural household. My mom, a school administrator from a small town in West Virginia, and my dad, a respected detective originally from the Dominican Republic, both came from difficult backgrounds. Their experiences shaped my own in ways I didn’t fully appreciate until much later. As the oldest child, I was tested early on in life.

Growing up, I was either known as “white boy” or “big red,” with much of my adolescence being defined by saggy pants, Etnies, and a FTW (For The Win) mentality. Over time, I evolved from a skater punk to an Eminem wannabe, just trying to find my place.

In 2010, I took a turn that would reshape my life: I entered law enforcement. This decision was a blessing in disguise, though it took years for me to realize just how humbling it would be. The constant exposure to traumatic events and the addiction to adrenaline led me down a dangerous path. I found myself abusing energy drinks, alcohol, and nicotine—habits all too common in my line of work. My personal life became a mess, and by 2017, I was battling inner demons that would haunt me for years to come.

I knew this wasn’t the life I wanted for myself, so I made a change. After some delay, I reached out for help, and the gym became my anchor. It was where I found my sense of masculinity and regained control of my life.

Years of making better decisions, leaning on supportive friends, and developing healthier coping mechanisms completely transformed me. These changes opened doors I never imagined, and I felt compelled to give back.

In 2021, I founded The Lift to Live Society. I truly believe that, by using fitness as a foundation, we can overcome any obstacle and thrive against all odds.

Welcome to the family homie.