One of the greatest accomplishments of my life was starting one of the country's most sought-after beverage conferences—BevCon.
The event took place for two years in Charleston and one in Los Angeles, and I hope to one day bring it back to life.

Most of my career has involved working with some of the world's best chefs and beverage professionals, too many to count. They are some of the hardest working people I've ever encountered. Here are a few of my favorites.

The coolest, most challenging, and once-in-a-lifetime event I ever created and produced took place at Ft. Sumter National Monument. The dinner, which hosted 80 guests and featured James Beard award-winning chefs, required everything and everyone to be brought in by boat, with limited power and amenities available. It was an incredible experience. However, after its conclusion, the National Park Service made the decision to not allow similar events to happen again due to the overwhelming influx of requests they received after word spread about it.

During my time at the SC Aquarium, I had the opportunity to promote some fascinating animals and events. One memorable incident involved an 80 ft reticulated python that nearly escaped into a sewer during transport. Then, when we safely brought it into the building for a photo shoot, it decided to relieve itself on me!

The Caribbean has held a special place in my heart since I first began traveling there as a teenager. Today, that lifelong love has grown into one of the biggest dreams we’ve ever pursued: the Holmestead Hideaway, a boutique retreat and gathering place we’re working to bring to life on Bequia in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Alongside it, I serve as President of Holmestead Angels, our 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting disaster relief, community development and opportunity throughout the Caribbean and coastal communities. Follow the journey at @theholmesteadhideaway.

When I fall in love with something, I fall hard. The first time I attended a class at The Works in Charleston, it was love at first sweat. At 52, I've never felt better—much of it attributed to my weekly hot yoga classes at The Works!

And I'm not just saying this because he's my dad. He truly is a big deal. He's where I learned the value of hard work and not just dreaming, but taking action. He owned his own CPA practice, an AA baseball team, became one of the state's top senators, ran for Governor, and initiated the state lotteries in SC and AR. There's even a bridge named after him.
Now, do you believe me?

If I had the opportunity to travel to a cool destination every few weeks, I would seize it without hesitation. It's the ultimate way to live life to the fullest. Regrettably, I haven't explored Asia, Africa, or much of Europe, but I've ventured to numerous places across the US. One unforgettable trip was to Hawaii, which truly felt like the closest thing to "heaven" I've ever encountered.

Prioritizing my health has always been paramount to me. While I enjoy working out, I also find fulfillment in activities that benefit me physically, emotionally, and spiritually. My day begins and ends with prayer, and I strive to maintain a healthy diet, moderate my alcohol intake, utilize a stand-up desk, and make a conscious effort to keep my body active throughout the day.