From Combat Leadership to Practice Building
Transforming behavioral health practices with military precision and mission-driven purpose
About First Page Wellness
In 2007, I commanded 110 soldiers in Afghanistan. They were physically tough, mentally prepared, and combat ready. But when we returned home, I watched as many of these brave men and women struggled with PTSD, unable to readjust to civilian life. The military and VA systems weren’t enough. I knew something had to change.
This wasn’t just about providing therapy, it was about creating a system that could serve more veterans and their families effectively. Using my military leadership experience and behavioral health education, I built three successful clinical counseling practices across Arkansas, eventually serving over 1,000 clients weekly.
Today, as The Premier, E-Suite Coach for the Behavioral Health Industry, I apply the same principles that guided my military career—leadership, systematic thinking, and unwavering commitment to the mission. Whether working with corporate giants like Third Bridge and Guidepoint or mentoring new practice owners, my focus remains the same: building systems that scale while maintaining the highest standards of client care.
The challenges of building a successful practice aren’t so different from leading troops in combat. Both require clear systems, strong leadership, and an unwavering commitment to those you serve. My mission now is to help you build a thriving practice that makes a real difference in people’s lives.
Military Service & Leadership
24 years of military service shaped my leadership philosophy and commitment to systematic excellence. Every lesson learned in combat and command can be applied to new practice owners building their success.
1989-1992 – Initial Military Service
Served in Desert Storm, gaining foundational military experience and leadership skills.
1992-1996 – Education & Development
Pursued higher education in psychology while maintaining military connection.
1996-2007 – Officer Career
Rejoined as an NCO, completed Officer Candidate School, continued education with a master’s degree.
2007 – 2008 Afghanistan Command
Led 110 soldiers in combat operations, facing the ultimate test of leadership.
2008-2014 – Veteran Support
Advocated for improved veteran mental health services, laying groundwork for future missions.
The Turning Point
After returning from Afghanistan, I witnessed the devastating impact of PTSD on my soldiers. Despite their strength in combat, many struggled with anger issues, domestic problems, financial difficulties, and substance dependence. The existing support systems weren’t enough.
I advocated through military channels and local government but needed/wanted to do more. This experience drove me to retire from the military and open a behavioral health practice serving veterans and their families. As General Sherman said, “War is hell.” I had seen that hell in my clients’ eyes, and it was far worse than anything we faced overseas.
Personal Values & Principles
My values were forged through military service, refined through practice building, and proven through consistent results. They guide every aspect of how I support and coach practice owners.
Loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage (LDRSHIP) are the seven US Army values. I have lived by these values my entire adult life.
Loyalty
The same dedication that bound our military unit now drives my commitment to clients’ success.
Duty
A relentless commitment to excellence and getting the job done right.
Respect
Treating every client, team member, and stakeholder with dignity and understanding.
Selfless Service
Putting clients’ needs first, focusing on their success above all else.
Honor
Living up to all values while building trust through actions, not just words.
Integrity
Doing what’s right, legally and morally, even when no one is watching.
Personal Courage
Facing challenges head-on and making tough decisions when necessary.
Lifelong Teaching
Teaching isn’t just what I do—it’s who I am. From martial arts to military leadership to practice building, I’ve dedicated my life to sharing knowledge and empowering others.
- 40 years martial arts instruction
- Military leadership development
- Practice-building mentorship
- Ongoing coach development
Proven Systems
Success isn’t about individual brilliance—it’s about implementing and following proven systems that consistently deliver results.
- Battle-tested processes
- Scalable frameworks
- Documented procedures
- Measurable outcomes
Balanced Approach
I combine deep expertise with genuine accessibility, ensuring you get both world-class guidance and practical, implementable solutions.
- Expert-level knowledge
- Clear communication
- Practical application
- Ongoing support
The Power of Mentorship
Every successful person stands on the shoulders of great mentors. My journey from martial arts student to military officer to practice builder has been guided by exceptional leaders who showed me the way.
When I was seven, my father left our family. The guidance and wisdom that many receive from their fathers, I found instead in my martial arts instructors and military superiors. For forty years, they’ve taught me more than just military tactics and self-defense—they showed me discipline, perseverance, and the true meaning of mentorship.
This early experience showed me the transformative power of having the right mentor at the right time. Today, it shapes how I coach practice owners—providing not just information, but genuine guidance and support.
Paying It Forward
I was mentored as a new behavioral health business owner, and that was the key to my success. Now, I’m committed to being that same guiding force for others. Just as my mentors did for me, I help practice owners avoid pitfalls, accelerate growth, and achieve their vision.
My Practice JourneY
24 years of military service shaped my leadership philosophy and commitment to systematic excellence. Every lesson learned in combat and command can be applied to new practice owners building their success.
2014 – First Practice Launch
Conway, Arkansas
Opened first location focused on serving veterans with PTSD and their families. Reached break-even within six months through focus on professional therapy and exceptional customer service.
2016 – First Expansion
Maumelle, Arkansas
Success of initial location enabled expansion to second practice, broadening our reach to serve more veterans and families in central Arkansas.
2018 – Third Location
North Little Rock, Arkansas
Continued growth led to a third location opening, establishing a strong presence across the region and serving over 1,000 clients weekly.
2020 – Pandemic Innovation
All Locations
Successfully pivoted to online therapy during COVID-19, leading to unprecedented growth while competitors struggled to adapt.
2021 – Strategic Sale Into Retirement
All Practices
Practices acquired at 4x business valuation, validating our client-centered approach and systematic business model.
Keys to Our Success
Client-Centered Approach
We outpaced competition by focusing on professional therapy and tireless customer service.
Systematic Growth
Each expansion built on proven systems and processes from previous success.
Quality Provider Team
Recruited only experienced, licensed practitioners committed to client care.
Adapability
Quick pivot to online services during COVID-19 enabled continued growth.
First Page Wellness Coaching Philosophy
My approach combines military precision with behavioral health expertise to help you build a thriving practice. Every strategy, system, and solution is battle-tested and proven in real-world settings.
Every professional team and athlete has a coach. Every successful business has professional systems. Every client demands expert service, respect, and value for their hard-earned dollar.
Systems-Based Strategy
Success isn’t about individual genius—it’s about building reliable, repeatable systems that scale.
- Proven processes that work consistently
- Clear, documented procedures
- Scalable operations framework
- Systematic problem-solving
Client-Centered Focus
Your practice grows when you put client care at the center of every decision.
- Exceptional service standards
- Client experience mapping
- Responsive support systems
- Quality care metrics
Results-Based Methods
We focus on approaches with proven track records of success in real practice settings.
- Data-driven decision making
- Measurable outcomes
- Proven growth strategies
- Success validation
Ongoing Partnership
Building a successful practice is a journey. I’m here for every step, from planning through growth.
- Regular check-ins
- Progress monitoring
- Strategy adjustments
- Long-term support
Vision For The Future
We’re building more than successful practices—we’re creating a network of leaders who will transform behavioral healthcare delivery through excellence, systems, and unwavering client focus.
2024 Growth Targets
Network Growth
50 active practice owner clients
Coach Development
10 client-coaches leading the next wave
Impact Metrics
Client Impact
50,000+ clients served annually through our network
Practice Success
$50M+ combined annual revenue across network
Building the Future of Behavioral Health
Creating a Network of Excellence
Our practice owners become coaches, exponentially expanding our impact on the industry.
Each successful practice owner has the opportunity to become a coach, sharing their expertise and expanding our reach.
Systematizing Success
Proven systems and processes that ensure consistent, high-quality care across all practices.
Every practice in our network operates on validated systems that prioritize both clinical excellence and business success.
Transforming Industry Standards
Raising the bar for what clients can expect from behavioral health practices.
Client-centered care isn’t just a motto—it’s the foundation of every system we implement.
Building Sustainable Growth
Creating practices that thrive long-term while maintaining the highest standards of care.
Success means nothing without sustainability. We build practices that last and grow responsibly.
Join Our Mission
Be part of the transformation. Together, we’ll build practices that set new standards for client care while achieving remarkable business success.