Lived in DC area entire life other than being born in NYC. Grew up in Rockville, Maryland (now called North Bethesda). Entrepreneur since teenager hustling for everything I needed. Started a real estate business while attending Lehigh University buying, renovating, and renting student housing. Because of that endeavor, I took seven months and traveled around Europe, Mediterranean, and Middle East after receiving two degrees at Lehigh. I then was employed as construction and project manager for a industrial and commercial developer where I truly learned the real estate business. Married my wife Lynn in 1989. Built a retail building in 1993 where I owned and operated a successful bagel bakery and delicatessen for eight years. Had three kids during that time, two daughters and a son. After a few other business endeavors I was approached by a former employee looking to manage a business for me and we ended up purchasing three retail gas station and convenience stores in Washington DC.