Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in a small blue-collar town in Pennsylvania, where sports were a huge part of my life. My dad was a schoolteacher, and he also coached football and wrestling. And my mom coached swimming, so I was heavily involved in sports from a young age. To say athletics was my identity at that time would not be an overstatement. Despite loving athletics, however, a freshman year football injury shifted my focus toward academics. It was a pivotal moment for me.
While still in a full leg cast from my injury, my high school principal saw me reading a book on Yale and told me I wouldn’t get in because kids from our community didn’t go to colleges like that. For me, that was all the fuel I needed to prove him wrong. I set my sights on attending a prestigious university and worked hard in the classroom, in leadership roles, in athletics, and in every activity I pursued for the next few years. When senior year arrived, I applied early to Yale and was accepted. After my parents, the next person I shared my acceptance letter with was my principal! I ultimately chose to attend Harvard, however, and it was one of the greatest times of my life. My time in Cambridge deepened my love for learning, fueled my curiosity about the world, and enabled me to form amazing friendships that have stood the test of time. For me, it was an incredible four years.
After graduating, I spent several years in the capital markets before shifting to the tech industry, which was a terrific experience and fit for me as well. I spent more than a decade working for companies like LinkedIn and Glassdoor-Indeed, focusing on career, recruitment, and employer branding strategies for some of the largest employers in the world. These experiences align closely with my passion for helping students and young adults in my current role.
Today, I run Summa Factor, a company that helps students and families through the challenging process of college admissions and career planning. Our broader mission, however, is to help students and families to flourish in school and in life. We help to enable that by providing encouragement, coaching, a clear roadmap for success, and an objective partner which helps to relieve stress. It’s so competitive and complex today; it’s a huge edge to work with a specialist who can help formulate a customized strategy for families. My background in recruitment and my love for education has provided a natural path to guiding others on their journeys, making the process more manageable and less overwhelming for them.
Tell us about your family.
I’ve been married to my beautiful wife, Deena, for 27 years. We met at a church event in Pennsylvania after college, where it was love at first sight for me. She’s a tough sell though, so it took a while to convince her I was the right guy for her! She’s originally from Kerala in southern India, which has enriched our partnership with a blend of cultures and traditions. After getting married on New Year’s Eve in 1997, we both wanted to explore a warmer climate and decided to move to Southern California. We spent six memorable years there, living in the LA and San Diego areas, where we welcomed our first three children.
Eventually, the draw of family on the East Coast led us back to Pennsylvania, where we had our fourth child. When a career opportunity presented itself, we considered moving to New York City but ultimately decided on Chicago for the better balance it offered for our family. We settled in the western suburbs in 2007, and we’ve been here ever since, primarily in Wheaton. Our four children attended Wheaton Warrenville South, and we feel fortunate to have made Chicago home. It’s a great place to raise a family.
Our kids are now grown and thriving. Our eldest, at 24, lives in Lithuania, working in student life at a college with students from over 60 countries. She loves supporting students and the vibrant international environment. Our second, a recent computer science graduate from William and Mary, married his high school sweetheart, and they both work in Virginia. Our third child is a junior at Mizzou, studying philosophy and psychology with an interest in law enforcement or potentially joining the FBI to combat human trafficking. Our youngest, a sophomore at the University of Alabama, is studying finance, balancing academics with his love for golf.
Each of our children has taken a unique path, and I couldn’t be prouder of the individuals they’ve become.
Please tell us about your career. What do you love most about what you do? I’m passionate about helping students and families navigate the world of education and life planning, including career paths. With about 4,000 colleges in the U.S., plus international options, students need to keep an open mind and have a broader lens for what success can look like. We tend to get too myopic in our views. My goal is to help students see the world as full of opportunities, where a great education and the right college and career fit “for them” can be a powerful tool to help them achieve their dreams and goals. Continuous curiosity is key to that process.
What I love most is helping young people get excited about learning and connecting their interests with their future. Often, students go through school wondering why they’re doing something or how it applies to their life. I aim to bridge that gap by showing them how their education can support their passions and open doors. Once students find their spark, they don’t need external motivation; they’re driven by their own excitement and curiosity.
Whether a student comes in with a clear goal or just a vague sense of direction, I work with families to develop a unique plan that is both aspirational and attainable. This process is truly rewarding because I help them to crystalize a vision for their future, which empowers them to pursue it confidently.
What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
One of my favorites is Nabuki. My wife and I are huge sushi fans, and actually just about any Asian food variety. We first tried Nabuki a few years ago during a travel meeting for her company, and we’ve been fans ever since. She owns a luxury travel business, which often takes her to meet with suppliers, and Nabuki was a memorable find from one of those trips. I also enjoy a good steakhouse. I haven’t had a chance to try Hinsdale Prime Steak yet, but it’s on my list. When I worked downtown, I enjoyed the variety of steakhouses there. Closer to home, The Capital Grill is a consistent favorite as well.
How long have you lived and worked in this community?
I moved to the area in 2007, initially settling in Naperville. We’ve been in Wheaton now for about nine years, enjoying everything the community has to offer. I’m really enjoying the relationships I’m building in Hinsdale more recently as well. The Chamber is great, and people want to help each other be successful. Collaboration and partnership is so key to success in all areas of life.
Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in this community?
TBD; I’m still getting to know lots of people. Ask me again next year!
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Nine years ago, I took a career break, and our family traveled to 30 countries over 15 months. Each place was special for different reasons—food, people, natural beauty, or culture. If I could choose one destination now, I’d go to Barcelona to visit dear friends. Travel has always been about expanding horizons and perspectives, especially for our kids, so they see different ways of living and gain an appreciation for the world’s beauty in all its diverse forms.
What’s one of your favorite movies or TV shows?
I’m a huge Top Gun fan! I also love The Great Debaters with Denzel Washington, a true story about a professor who leads a debate team from rural Texas in the 1930s to a national championship victory over Harvard. It’s an inspirational story of resilience and success against the odds.
What advice would you give people?
With the world of rapid technological, cultural, and social change we live in, the ability to adapt, stay curious, and continually learn is essential. Success isn’t just about money or “the right” career path—it’s about thriving and flourishing in all of life. Developing grit, character, and the ability to overcome adversity is critical. Learning new things every day, even in familiar places, enriches life, builds relationships, and brings fulfillment beyond financial success.
What’s on your bucket list?
I’d love to make a broader impact by investing in the next generation, both through my work and potentially writing and speaking. Reaching more people and inspiring positive change is something I’m pursuing in this season of life.
What’s your go-to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
I have an eclectic Spotify playlist, but U2 is my all-time go-to band. “With or Without You”, “One”, and “Every Breaking Wave” are classics that never get old.
What local business makes you nostalgic about the community?
I’m fascinated by Hinsdale’s history, particularly the Fuller family’s impact—they’re connected to businesses across town. The Steinway store is also memorable; our kids once had a piano recital there, and it’s a reminder of the community’s strong support for the arts.
If you could have lunch with anyone alive today, who would it be and where?
I’d love to meet a man from Rwanda who’s connected to our local church. He’s been instrumental in helping families affected by civil war and genocide to reconcile, bringing together communities in forgiveness, which has had a remarkable impact. I’d love to hear more of his story, understand what motivates him, and learn how he’s achieved such impactful work.
What’s something unique about our community?
There’s a strong sense of family and neighborhood where kids can play freely and safely. It’s a bit of a rarity in modern America, and I value how neighbors here truly know and support one another.
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I hope to continue growing my work in college and career consulting, possibly contributing to educational reform and sharing insights through writing and speaking.
What’s something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I have a serious side, but I also love acting and comedy. In college, I was known for performing Monty Python skits, and I still love British humor. If I could find a way to incorporate that love of performing into my life now, that would be fun!
What’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever been?
Patagonia, New Zealand, and Switzerland stand out for their breathtaking landscapes. Africa, however, is incredibly unique and beautiful as well. And the wildlife encounters – wow!
Favorite month, holiday, and the best single day on your calendar?
October is my favorite month—I love the fall colors and crisp air. My favorite holiday is Christmas, but my favorite day is New Year’s Eve, as it’s also our wedding anniversary.
What would you rate 10 out of 10 in your life?
Friends and family relationships are a solid 10. Looking back, I see how important these connections are and feel incredibly blessed.
Who inspires you to be better?
My kids. They’re at an age where they notice and look up to the example I set, which inspires me to strive to be my best self every day.
What are one or two of your favorite smells?
Pumpkin and cinnamon in the fall, and refreshing scents like mint, lemon, and tea tree oil to wake me up. Oh, and freshly brewed coffee!
What three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word “home”?
Love, laughter, and thankfulness.
