Hey teacher! Leave them kids alone!
It’s important to know where the journey began to get an appreciation of where I am at now.
I used to draw all the time as a kid. I always had a pencil and piece of paper to create whatever came to mind. It was my escape from the challenges I faced growing up. I was born to design. And yet I’ll never forget one of my grade school teachers telling me that I would never make any thing of my life because I would draw too much.
The negative experiences we have in life can affect us in two ways. We can let them drag us down, becoming victims who blame the world around us, never to reach our potential. Or we can use these challenges as a catalyst to fuel our fire, taking us further than we ever anticipated going. I personally know what it’s like to have lost everything … to taste the bitterness of poverty and despair.
But instead of feeling sorry for myself, I grabbed myself by the cajones and made the decision to move forward.
Professional Side
I’ve worked with billion dollar companies, non-profits, and hundreds of small businesses. I speak around the United States on topics such as entrepreneurship, freelancing, design, branding, and WordPress. I’ve even written two books.
In 1995, I created apparel designs for the Green Bay Packers, BMW, Arnold Palmer, NASCAR, Pebble Beach Golf Course, Callaway Golf, and all of the best NCAA football teams. My work could be seen in Sports Illustrated and in Lids type stores. That same year, I created the number one selling apparel product for the world famous brand, Eskimo Joes.
In 2008 I joined up with an amazing business called iThemes and designed some of the very first premium/commercial WordPress themes. Two years later I helped co-found and launch the training program at WebDesign.com.
Currently I offer branding and design services at Dalman Designs. I also coach freelance web designers and web developers on how to build profitable, sustainable businesses.
Personal Side
While I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to do some amazing things in my professional life, the things that I am most proud of ALL have to do with my personal life. The road has been filled with potholes, detours, and break downs, but along the way, I’ve come to appreciate the following the most.
- Experiencing a radical life transformation through the grace and love of Jesus Christ.
- Enjoying a life married to my best friend and beautiful wife for 21 years.
- Raising the best son and daughter that a dad could ever ask for.
- Serving my country in the U.S. Army Reserve and Oklahoma National Guard.
- Leading others to Christ and away from destructive lifestyles.
- Mentoring young, at-risk teens from all walks of life.
So teacher, I’d just like to say that I think I have done something with my life and done something great. Nuff said!
