What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
I wrote Radical Hospitality because, looking back, so much of my life has been shaped by building places where people come together. As an architect, developer, entrepreneur, husband, dad, and person of faith, I’ve come to believe that the things we build are really just tools for serving people. Some of the most meaningful moments in my life have happened around a table, at a hotel, around a fire, or in a place someone intentionally created for others. I wanted to write down what I’ve learned about building those kinds of places—and show that you don’t have to choose between making an impact and building wealth. You can do both, and when you do it well, the work can outlast you.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?
For me, probably “I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty. It has the grit, persistence, and stubborn optimism that goes with trying to build anything worthwhile. For the developers, builders, and entrepreneurs in the book, I’d pick “Working Man” by Rush. And for the bigger idea behind Radical Hospitality, maybe “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver—because at its core, hospitality is about creating places where people feel welcomed, grounded, and like they belong.
What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
My favorite books are in the Christian business and entrepreneurship space—books about building something meaningful, leading well, creating wealth, and using your work to serve a bigger purpose. That’s also probably the genre I naturally write in. I’m most interested in the intersection of faith, business, leadership, hospitality, and building a life that has impact beyond just financial success.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Lol—my TBR pile is mostly business, mindset, and publishing right now: Napoleon Hill’s Success Habits, Chandler Bolt’s Published, Dean Graziosi, and The Underdog Advantage. Apparently I have a type—books about building, growing, overcoming the odds, and figuring out how to make a bigger impact.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
My favorite scene to write was the “Runout” scene, climbing with my son. Like it or not, I’ve learned some of the most important lessons in life when I’ve been past my last safety clip—committed, exposed, and having to figure out the next move. A lot of the book was actually “written” while walking the mountain trails near our home. I’ve found that some of my clearest thoughts come when I’m alone in the woods and can literally speak the words to life. That made this scene especially meaningful, because it brought together adventure, fatherhood, risk, and the pride of watching my own sons learn how to make their way.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I do, although mine is less about a lucky mug and more about getting outside. I love walking the mountain trails near our home, and I’ve found that some of my best “writing” happens when I’m alone in the woods, thinking out loud and literally speaking the words to life. There’s something about walking, being outside, and getting away from the noise that helps the ideas come together.
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
I keep coming back to a pretty simple philosophy: Build cool stuff. Serve a lot of people. Create lasting wealth. To me, those things don’t have to compete with each other. I want to build things that matter, serve people well along the way, and create something that lasts beyond
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
That you don’t have to choose between doing meaningful work and building wealth. You can create places, businesses, and experiences that genuinely serve people and still build something financially strong and lasting. I hope readers walk away believing that hospitality is bigger than hotels or restaurants—it’s a way of building a life and business around serving people well.
