One stoplight. More cows than people. And a kid who never stopped moving.
From earning $5.35 an hour at a community pool in rural Michigan to building an entire ecosystem for entrepreneurs in Chicago — this is the unfiltered story of how I got here.
Small town roots. Big city hustle.
I grew up in Quincy, Michigan — a super rural village with one stoplight and more cows than people. Lower middle class home. No silver spoons. But I had something that mattered more: an unstoppable pursuit of independence.
At 14, I started working as a cashier at the public community pool for $5.35 an hour during summer months. Throughout high school, I juggled extracurriculars and multiple jobs — McDonald's, clothing retail, whatever it took. At 18, I left home for college and supported myself the entire way through.
Growing up in a mainly all-white community fueled my desire to connect with and learn from people of other cultures and backgrounds. I've always pushed my comfort zone to learn from others and travel. That curiosity shaped everything I've built since.
Every chapter built the next one.
From a rural Michigan village to building an entrepreneur ecosystem in Chicago.
First job at the community pool
Started working as a cashier at the public community pool in Quincy for $5.35 an hour. Juggled McDonald's, clothing retail, and extracurriculars all through high school. The hustle started early.
Left home and opened a coffee shop
Left home at 18 for college, supporting myself the entire way. I helped open and manage a coffee shop in a brand new market in Michigan while going to school full time for nursing. My first real taste of entrepreneurship.
Nursing career in Chicago
While nursing was never my true passion, my calling has always been working with people and finding ways to support them. After nursing school, I moved to Chicago and established my career in both the private sector and nonprofit. It taught me empathy, communication under pressure, and how to build trust fast.
Airbnb Superhost
Built a successful Airbnb business from scratch and earned Superhost status. When the COVID pandemic changed the world and the travel industry, I made the strategic call to quickly exit rather than ride it out. That taught me when to hold and when to fold.
Medical sales
Jumped into medical sales, pushing my limits on what I was comfortable with. Growth is best produced by getting comfortable being uncomfortable. This chapter proved it.
Headhunted by two tech startups
Was headhunted for my first healthcare tech startup and eventually onto a smaller one. I learned all the good things about a startup and all the things not to do in a startup. Invaluable lessons on both sides.
Elected to condo board
Ran and was elected to serve on my condo building's board to help my neighbors and protect our shared investment. Community leadership isn't just something I talk about - it's something I live.
PeerFounder, podcast, coaching, and meetups
I was laid off on my birthday when my startup closed its doors - the best gift ever given to me. I went full throttle to bring PeerFounder from ideation to market. Instead of asking to go on other people's podcasts, I created my own. I designed a full ecosystem to support entrepreneurs by building partnerships, meetup groups, and rolling out my coaching business. I've made many mistakes but learned from them greatly so other people don't need to.
“Dream with my eyes open, sleep when I am dead, love whom my heart's chosen, and conquer what lies ahead.”
— Colin Fraley
Wired differently. Built for this.
I am neurodivergent and have an incredible way of connecting things in a creative way. It's my superpower — I see patterns and opportunities where others see noise. That's what makes me a master connector in community.
I am living proof that I live by my mantra every single day. I do not stop when I get knocked down. My resilience is above none. I also truly believe growth is best produced by one simple principle: “Get comfortable being uncomfortable.”
Want to work together?
Whether you want me on your podcast, need a speaker for your event, are looking for a coach, or just want to connect — I'm always open to a conversation.
Podcast Guest
Invite me on your show. I bring unfiltered stories about entrepreneurship, resilience, and building from scratch.
Speaking
Book me for your event, panel, or fireside chat. I speak on entrepreneurship, community building, and getting comfortable being uncomfortable.
Discussion
Have an idea, a project, or a question? I love brainstorming and connecting dots. Let's talk.
Coaching
I help established business owners gain more time, increase profits, and reduce costs through BizTechy.ai coaching.
Just want to connect
No agenda needed. I'm a master connector and I genuinely enjoy meeting new people. Reach out and let's see where the conversation goes.