I grew up on a small ranch near Samsula and graduated from New Smyrna Beach High School — go Cudas! At 16, I began working for Volusia County as an ocean rescue lifeguard. By 18, I was an EMT, and soon after, I became a law enforcement officer, rising to the rank of Captain by age 28. I hold a B.S. in Law from UCF and a Master’s in Criminal Justice from Loyola University New Orleans.

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In 2020, I left public service to focus on Yaupon Brothers American Tea, the business I co-founded with my brother. Since 2021, we’ve planted over 300,000 trees across four states. In 2023, my family and I revitalized Eagle’s Nest Farms — Florida’s oldest organic farm — into a thriving regenerative operation.

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I’ve served on the boards of the Southeast Volusia Humane Society, the FDACS Ag Innovation Workgroup, the Specialty Food Association, and 1000 Friends of Florida, the state’s leading land-use advocacy group. I’m also a lifelong surfer, open-water swimmer, and proud dad who loves exploring the outdoors with my son.