My accomplishments
- Grew up in Philadelphia, and became a Pole Vaulter!
- Studied Hotel Management at Cornell University
- In 1972, at age 19, I leased a small hotel in Ocean City New Jersey, and then did the same thing with a beachside restaurant the next summer. These businesses paid for college, and taught me MANY valuable lessons.
- After graduating from Cornell, I served in V.I.S.T.A. as a consultant to minority businesses – crazy year!
- Moved to California’s Napa Valley, and worked in wineries, then moved to Lake Tahoe, eventually becoming the Food & Beverage Director and Executive Chef at a ski resort.
- Returned to school, and earned a Master's Degree from Florida International University
- Became a Professor at the University of New Orleans, and earned a Ph.D. there as well.
- While in New Orleans, joined a Dixieland Marching Band (Banjo Player) and marched in Mardi Gras Parades, performed at weddings and other celebrations, and even performed at the famed New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (not a star, just one of the band members, but still… what an experience!)
- Following in the footsteps of my mother and father, I became an author. Over the years, I wrote 27 books, some of them International Best Sellers, with over 2 million copies sold worldwide.
- In 1980, I landed a one-hour speaking job, with a small association. They paid me $300, and I thought I was rich! This launched my speaking career. I traveled the world (literally) speaking to groups of all sizes, from the boardroom to the ballroom, and even in the Georgia World Congress Center, to an audience of over 20,000 people. (Now THAT was an experience!)
- In 1984, I married my college sweetheart. Jeanne and I raised two wonderful daughters. They were able to travel with me to many interesting places, and they shared in the excitement as I spoke to appreciative groups.
It Was NEVER Just About Working
We are a boating family, and we took many trips together, and fished together. We even competed in tournaments, and won together. My older daughter won the Miami Big Fish Tournament twice, and qualified to fish in the Junior Angler World Championships, where she finished Fourth one year. Every summer, we traveled to Ocean City, and eventually combined business with pleasure, and moved there permanently in 2007. We bought and restored a four-story Victorian home, which we call the “Sandcastle.” Jeanne and I live there still.
Mr. Mature America
In 2018, I competed in the “Mr. Mature America” Pageant, and won! The Emcee that year was television star Erik Estrada, of “C.H.I.P.S.” fame. Here is a picture of Erik and I on stage at the pageant. BTW, I won the award for Best Interview, Poise, and even Mr. Congeniality!
It’s All About Service and Duty
For the last 19 years, I served in uniform in the Department of Homeland Security, United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. Today, I am the Flotilla Staff Officer for Public Education in Ocean City. The USCGA is an inclusive organization. Despite the limitations of my Disability, they found a place for me to serve. Semper Peratus! In the photo, I am receiving the Division "Auxiliarist of the Year" award for my innovation approach to teaching the New Jersey Boating Safety course.
Bill and his Guide Dog – from white cane to black dog – a great story
Bill didn’t mind walking with a white cane. As he put it, “It was better than walking off a cliff.” But when he had an opportunity to switch to a Guide Dog, he jumped at the chance, and after a long application process, and two intensive weeks of training in White Plains, New York, he arrived home with this beautiful black lab. Trudy was specially trained to run with Bill, and that has made a world of difference in his daily life. Trudy goes to work with Bill at Stockton University, and in general, goes everywhere , including airplanes, restaurants, etc.
Bill is very thankful for the professionals at Guiding Eyes for the Blind, who trained him and Trudy, and for the “puppy raiser” who helped Trudy to become the dog she is today.