The Power of Mentorship: How My Mentors Shaped My Life

Mentorship has been a defining force in my life, shaping my journey in profound ways. The guidance, wisdom, and support I received from key mentors helped me discover my potential, push my limits, and become the person I am today. As a coach for young men, I hope to pay that forward, knowing firsthand the life-changing impact a mentor can have.

My Dad: Leading by Example

My dad taught me the value of hard work, both physically and academically. He is one of the smartest people I know, having been accepted into medical school at just 17 and excelling throughout his career. Even now, he continues to push me—teaching by example and charging hard at CrossFit. His discipline, resilience, and drive have been a constant source of inspiration for me.

John Whitmer: Surfboard Shaper & Life Mentor

When I first got into surfing, I bought a board from John Whitmer, the founder of Fever Surfboards. It was a 7’6” balsa wood composite called the Sushi, and it quickly became my daily driver. I timidly asked John if he would teach me how to shape surfboards, and without hesitation, he said, "Come on down."

That one conversation turned into a mentorship that lasted years. John empowered me to design my own logo and mentored me through shaping nine boards—two of them composites. Every weekend, I’d drive to the coast, sleep in his greenhouse, surf Oregon’s best local spots, and spend the rest of the day crafting surfboards. Those weekends were some of the most special of my life. John didn’t just teach me how to shape boards—he mentored me into becoming a surfer and helped me connect with a side of myself I hadn’t yet discovered.

John Williams: Unlocking My Potential

John Williams was my high school coach, doing the same work I do now with teens. He helped me tap into my intrinsic motivation and unlock my highest potential in school and beyond. His coaching gave me the confidence and mindset to chase my goals, and I wouldn’t be the same person today without those sessions.

Coach Miguel: Lessons On and Off the Field

My soccer coach, Miguel, was more than just a coach—he was a mentor who pushed me not only as an athlete but as a person. He encouraged me to be a better son to my mom and helped me see struggle as an opportunity for growth. His mentorship gave me the perspective to use challenges as fuel to push myself further than I ever thought possible.

Paul Owens: Mentorship in Engineering and Leadership

Paul Owens, my first boss and the engineering manager of the stator team at PCC, became an important mentor as soon as I met him. From the moment I interviewed for a dimensional engineering position, I knew he was someone I wanted to work for. He shared my belief in learning through hands-on projects and always approached situations with curiosity and non-judgment. Paul pushed me to be better than I thought I was, and his mentorship helped me grow both as an engineer and as a person.

Uncle Bob: My Climbing Inspiration

My uncle Bob was the reason I set my sights on El Capitan. He climbed it at 19, and his fearlessness and determination inspired me to follow in his footsteps. He approached problems with curiosity and had an unshakable belief in hard work and dedication.

On my second-ever multi-pitch climb, Bob made me lead every pitch on Monkey Face at Smith Rock. I had never led a trad route before, but he threw me into it with full confidence that I could handle it. Before I knew it, we were on top of Monkey Face, high-fiving in triumph. When I told him I wanted to climb El Cap, his response was simple: "You better work hard because that thing is no joke." It was the kind of challenge that fueled my fire, and I appreciated his honest but inspiring words.

Carrying Mentorship & Coaching Forward

As a young man and a coach, I strive to be the kind of mentor that inspires and empowers the next generation. I hope to continue learning from my mentors while also building new relationships along the way. Having a mentor or coach can be a pivotal point in a young man's life, and I worry that our society is losing this valuable connection in an age of screens and distractions.

My mission is to make a real impact—because mentorship changed my life, and I know it can change others' too.