Q. Our budget is tight, how can we hire you to be our speaker?

A. There are several different options for organizations on a limited budget. Check out the creative funding page for some ideas. Our goal is to go everywhere I am needed so if you’re willing to do some creative things we’re willing to work with you.

Q. Do you charge additional for travel expenses?

A. In a word, no. It makes it easier for everyone if we include the travel expenses in the travel fee. So I don’t have to mail you a box of receipts or miscellaneous travel bills.

Q. Do you only talk about foster care & adoption topics?

A. Nope. Adversity is something that we all experience and I’ve found that sharing my story and the stories of the people I’ve met along the way with audiences outside of child welfare has been very impactful and influenced corporate executives, sports teams, and students across the country.

Q. What type of events are you usually asked to speak at?

A. I speak at a variety of different types of events: college events, middle school assemblies, high school assemblies, church conferences, adoption conferences, foster care conferences, state wide teen conferences, luncheons, banquets, foster care recruitment conferences, parenting seminars, juvenile offender seminars, fatherhood conferences, men empowerment conferences, and educator conferences. For more information visit the speaking page.

Q. What books have influenced you the most?

A. Bible, Rich Dad Poor Dad, Tribes, Richest man in Babylon, Peebles Principles, Millionaire Mind, Screw Tape letters, You Squared, Acres of Diamonds, (probably could name a lot more I love books)

Q. What kept you going when things were rough?

A. God continuously sending people and resources into my life at times when I felt like giving up. I could be more specific but all of the things I could say point back to that one thing.

Q. What would you tell someone who wanted to pursue their dream?

A. I would say the same thing my CASA volunteer Leslie Foster told me. “If you put God first, work hard, and don’t allow yourself to be defined by your circumstance you can do anything.”

Q. Who are your heroes?

A. I have several: Jesus who was murdered brutally for my sins and the sins of all mankind, my mother who despite facing trial after trial never compromised her integrity, my siblings who have shielded me from so many storms, my CASA and the other volunteers and child service workers that work for pennies to protect abused children, the drug dealers in my old neighborhood who fed me and my brothers and protected us from being swallowed by the streets, my friends who are more like brothers & sisters than friends, Mark Driscoll who’s trial series humbled me at a crucial time, Matt Chandler who’s podcast have mentored and taught me to pursue Jesus above all else.

Q. What are you afraid of?

A. Living a life pursuing meaningless, selfish endeavors.

Q. What do you do for fun?

A. Work out, spending time with my son and his friends, hang out with family and friends, brainstorm ideas.

Q. Favorite food?

A. Bar B Q (YUM!)

Q. Do you own any pets?

A. No.

Q. What music is on your ipod?

A. Lecrae, Lupe Fiasco, The Clipse, Common, Drake, Tye Tribbett, Jay-Z, Kid Cudi, J. Cole, Kirk Franklin, Maroon 5, The Beatles, Kanye West, Wale, Lil Wayne, The Roots, Mos Def, Chris Tomlin, UGK, Bilal, Jill Scott, Herbie Hancock, Musiq, Cold Play, Justin Bieber (I like a variety of music).