A little about the guy

Relationships are the whole point.

I’m a super-extroverted, exuberantly curious fellow. I love meeting people, asking questions, and learning how their lives unfolded. I worked hard for a lot of years and realized I hadn’t made enough room for friendship. Friendly Sam is me making room again: show up, be useful, laugh, learn, and see what grows. No corporate job for me; I’d rather be with people and still have time for my kids.

We’ll agree on paid time up front. If we become friends, I might come back for a beer or a catch-up with no bill. That’s actually the point.

I’m a dad of four; two of my children were adopted. One of my sons has Down syndrome, and sometimes he joins me. Family shapes how I think about patience, connection, and making room for people to be themselves.

My life has taken me from an unconventional childhood and a deep love of books to Yale, business, writing, family, and regenerative agriculture. I once came close to appearing on The Apprentice; I stepped away when I realized I didn’t want to be separated from my daughter for the long shoot. Family won. It still does.

The work chapters, in a nutshell ＋

I studied sociology at Yale and worked across financial services, real estate, healthcare, and small business, building teams, solving complicated problems, shaping marketing, and helping organizations find a path forward. I led nonprofits in youth development, education, and human services, including Media Youth Center, Rolling Readers USA, and Barrio Logan College Institute.

Most recently, I’ve worked at Hungry World Farm on regenerative agriculture, environmental education, land stewardship, and agritourism. I’ve built websites and social media, written books and long-form work on domestic violence and regenerative education, and developed ideas including The Ecology of Regenerative Love.

I’m not putting a consulting menu on this site. But if a bigger idea emerges naturally from a good relationship, I’ve got plenty of experience to bring to the table.