About

About Me

Built on service, family, and a lifelong love of dogs.

Vector K9 Academy was created to continue giving back to the community by making practical, structured dog training more accessible for the people and families who need it.

Founder Story

Why I started Vector K9 Academy.

After retiring from the military following 20 years of active-duty service, I wanted to continue serving in a way that mattered locally. Dog training gave me that opportunity: helping families, supporting owners who need structure, and making quality training more affordable for people who may not otherwise have access to it.

I have always had a love for dogs and a strong interest in working dogs. From farm dogs to military working dogs, I always thought they were incredible — loyal, capable, powerful, and deeply connected to the people they work beside.

My heart has always been with the large-breed, big-headed dogs: Mastiffs, Newfoundlands, Saint Bernards, and other gentle giants. They are powerful dogs with big personalities, and they deserve clear training, patient handling, and owners who understand them.

Family & Dogs

Dogs are part of my daily life.

I currently have a rehomed miniature poodle and I am working with a rescue dog who was saved from a euthanasia-risk kennel. The goal is to rehabilitate him and help him develop toward service-dog work. That process is a daily reminder of why structure, patience, and consistency matter.

My wife and our two children, ages 7 and 3, are also part of the journey. They help reinforce the reason this work matters: dogs live with families, around kids, in homes, and in real environments. Training has to work there — not just for the trainer.

Life outside training

I enjoy volunteering with animal shelters, being on the water, fishing, boating, golf, ice hockey, and baseball. I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and later met my wife in Virginia Beach.

Mission

Give back through better training.

Vector K9 Academy is built for owners who want a clearer path forward with their dog. The goal is not to make training complicated. The goal is to make it understandable, repeatable, and realistic for everyday life.

Service

Community First

Continuing to give back after military service by helping families and dogs build safer, calmer routines.

Rescue

Second Chances

Supporting dogs that need structure, patience, rehabilitation, and a clear plan for success.

Family

Real-Life Training

Building training that works in real homes, around kids, and in the day-to-day situations owners actually face.