Current occupation:
System Analyst at Triarc Solutions
What made you decide to pursue your degree as an adult?
I decided to pursue my master’s degree as an adult, a father, and a full-time employee because I wanted to create long-term stability and opportunity for my family while continuing to grow professionally. As my career progressed, I realized that advancing into higher-level leadership roles required not only experience but also deeper strategic, financial, and organizational knowledge. Earning a master’s degree allows me to sharpen those skills and remain competitive in an evolving workforce.
Equally important, returning to school sets a powerful example for my children about perseverance, discipline, and the value of lifelong learning. Balancing work, family, and academics is challenging, but it reinforces my ability to manage priorities, stay focused, and follow through on commitments. Ultimately, this decision reflects my commitment to personal growth, professional excellence, and being a role model who shows that it’s never too late to invest in yourself.
Why did you choose to study at Tiffin University?
I chose to study at Tiffin University because I personally know people who have graduated from Tiffin University and have given great feedback about their experience. I grew up in Tiffin so anything Tiffin is nostalgic to me. My wife completed her MBA about two years ago at the University of Toledo. She had a difficult time with the numerous different platforms the university utilized. Thankfully, Tiffin University uses Moodle exclusively, which streamlines the courses with the same type of deadlines for every course.
Describe your experience with the program so far.
Nothing surprised me about the Tiffin University MBA program. I expected it to be difficult but it has actually been easier than I thought it would be in my mind. The technology was great to use for the most part. I had great interactions with faculty.
How are you juggling work, life and going back to school? Any tips?
Completing an MBA while being a parent, full-time employee and spouse is not for everyone. It takes a lot of multitasking, but it is achievable. The key is utilizing the free time you have for your MBA courses instead of technology distractions like social media and texting people. I did a lot of my MBA work while my daughters were at dance or volleyball, and I was waiting for them. I also did a lot of my MBA coursework between 9pm-midnight on weeknights when the rest of my family was sleeping. I refused to let my MBA take priority over being a husband and father.
Tiffin University has a great program with the same deadlines each week for every course. It is important to stay ahead of the schedule. When I knew I would be busy all weekend, I had a goal to get all coursework done by Thursday night at 11:59pm. This is also achievable if you have a strong work ethic. If you have an employer that will pay for your MBA, as I did, do not wait five years too late like me. Start your MBA
as soon as possible!
What keeps you motivated to stay in the program?
An MBA is something no one can ever take away from me once I have the degree. Getting an MBA shows my daughters how important it is to advance their education. There are some jobs out there that I have applied for that require an MBA. If a job has an “MBA Preferred” in the posting, I can stand out versus other candidates if the other applicants do not have an MBA.
What advice would you give to a prospective student who is thinking about going back to school?
Wait to get your MBA until you have an employer that will pay for it. Most companies will help you pay for part or all of your MBA. If you get offered a job, ask if the employer pays for your MBA. It is a win-win for employers. The employer is investing in their employees by paying for an MBA, but you also are benefitting as well.
TU’s motto is: Without risk there is no gain. Can you tell us about a time when you took a risk and what you gained from it?
I left my previous company in 2024 after being employed there for twelve years. There are so many people who stay there their entire careers. They have an incredible retirement package. However, leaving there in 2024 led to my salary increasing by $47,000 in just two years. I am at my second employer, but I do not regret my decision to leave MPC. It was a risk because I had a great job there with a good salary and solid retirement. But being in my thirties, I was not going to keep a low salary just because of the retirement.
It was the best decision I ever made for my career, despite the fact that the company was a great employer. This was a risk that many coworkers probably questioned. But now I get to work from home full-time and be there more for my family with a flexible schedule. My previous company required four days in the office, which was 40 minutes from my house. The decision not only improved my market value but also helped my family life, and my commute time went from 80 minutes per day to 0 minutes per day!