When and why did you join WMAR?
After working at television stations across the country, from Waco, Texas to Detroit, Michigan, I began as a "freelance" meteorologist for WMAR-TV as early as 2008. Initially, I covered weekends and vacation shifts, however, in 2010 I was very fortunate to be promoted to Chief Meteorologist here at ABC 2.
Where else have you worked and what was your oddest job?
Wow, there are quite a few! Growing up in Ocean City, I had more than my share as a kid. Everything from selling bodyboards at a beach shop to working as a "steamer" at a few of the local restaurants. I also managed to score a job as a movie theater projectionist in the winters!
After high school, I joined the U.S. Coast Guard and served on active duty for 4 years. In the military, I went from being junior enlisted to eventually serving as a ship navigator.
What are you most proud of when it comes to your work?
I take a lot of pride in my work, no matter what job I'm doing. When it comes to being a broadcast meteorologist, I would have to say I take the most pride in achieving the highest level of forecast accuracy - but at the same time delivering it with maximum energy. As one veteran of the business told me early on, "if you're not excited about what you're talking about, why should anyone else be?" Good advice!
Interesting fact(s) about your personal life?
Ever since I served in the Coast Guard I have believed in making physical fitness a top priority in life. I love getting as many workouts as possible per week, including training with free weights, stand up paddle boarding, and even just running sprints up the big hill in Patterson Park! I'm also a confessed "supplement geek" (protein powder reviews are good reading)!
All-time favorite movie and song? Why?
A very tough call, but I'd have to say First Blood (the first Rambo movie). I was absolutely enthralled the first time I saw it as a kid, and to this day I can watch it on any given weekend! Lots of suspense, action, and it also helped cast a light on mistreated Vietnam veterans during that time.
Music wise, I can't pinpoint a favorite song but the bands that have the heaviest rotation on my iPod include Linkin Park, POD, Eminem, Foo Fighters, and "old school" Metallica.
Apps you can't live without?
Of course, Storm Shield is very useful in my line of work, but so is the weather tab on our ABC 2 News app for a "quick glance" at the latest conditions & forecast. In addition to those I am big fan of iWindSurf, SwellInfo, SkiReport and Ocearch Shark Tracker!
What were you like as a kid?
I was very into the beach, water, and outdoors as a kid. Growing up on the Eastern Shore, you had to take advantage of the natural surroundings. I was adventurous too, almost to a fault (I wrecked my ATV more times than I can remember, and one time even snapped my arm right in half).
In school I did enjoy public speaking, but never imagined I'd end up working on television!
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