Hometown: Richardson
Present City: Dallas
Education: Bachelor in film production,
University of Texas
Profession: Hospitality
Tell us about your family.
Melissa and I met and married in Austin. We’ll celebrate 20 years on Jan. 1. Our daughter Ananda is sneaky funny and a hard worker. Our social son Alden is sneaky athletic. They are great people and students at Bryan Adams and Hill Middle, respectively. Ozzy (yorkie), Seamus (sheepadoodle) and Hero (gargoyle gecko) round out our household.
How about your work or volunteer life?
I am proud of our companies and the work we do — Houndstooth Coffee, Tweed Coffee Roasters, Plaid Hospitality Group and Jettison. We began Houndstooth 15 years ago as the “The Pattern of Coffee and People.” We weave people together over space and time in a social fabric. Wendell Berry’s emphasis on local community and agriculture shaped my desire to pursue café life. I enjoy providing valuable work for our employees, understanding how and where our coffees come from and hosting our guests as they enjoy all of it.
Favorite hobbies?
Film and quality TV, NBA, hi-fi, books, design, travel, outdoor life, food & beverage.
What are your favorite places to travel?
I’m more of a mountains guy but love exploring cities as well. We get to Colorado-New Mexico and NYC a couple times a year. Coffee origin trips are always a fresh experience in terrain, patience and culture.
What brought you to Wilshire and when?
My Aunt Candy and Uncle Vic have been here for several years, and a few years ago, my folks Scott and Kay started attending. We first came during Advent 2023 and joined Advent 2024. We enjoy the inclusive nature, music and the youth group.
Where are you engaged at Wilshire?
We enjoy Odyssey Class. But also: I love creating spaces for people and am still figuring out how that fits into the fabric of this community.
What’s surprised you most about Wilshire?
Its authenticity and commitment to the bylaws.
Tell us about your faith journey.
I grew up attending a Baptist church in Richardson. I was heavily involved and enjoyed the youth group, but the church stopped informing my faith journey. College filled in some spiritual blanks, resulting in a reconnection with the “felt-board Jesus” of my childhood. Melissa and I were part of a hugely formative urban monastic community in Austin. Now, after not going to church for 15 years, we’re at Wilshire as a family. And we like it.
What’s something interesting most
people would not know about you?
I’ve officiated five weddings, including both of my brothers,’ and can hold my own on a dance floor.
What adjectives best describe you?
Contemplative, creative, always up for good
conversation.