Who inspired you to become a lawyer?
While no one in my family was a lawyer, Marshall M. Criser Jr. was the father of one of my closest friends when I attended the University of Florida.
He had established himself as one of the most respected lawyers in Florida and also was the president of the University of Florida.
Through my friendship with his son, I had the opportunity to spend a great deal of time with Mr. Criser, who, in turn, inspired me to become a lawyer.
Who inspires you?
My wife and my two daughters inspire me every day.
What community service have you pursued and why?
I have served on the board of Angelwood Inc.
It is an amazing nonprofit that provides services for children, adults, seniors and families living with intellectual and developmental differences such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and spina bifida.
Do you currently serve on the JBA in any committee?
I currently serve on the Criminal Law Committee.
What is your favorite book?
I have many favorite books. A recent favorite book of mine is “The Heritage Guide to the Constitution.”
While I don’t pretend this is “guilty pleasure” reading, it is a book you can pick up on any given day and find a comprehensive analysis of every clause of the U.S. Constitution.
Do you have any special talents?
None.
If you weren’t a judge what do you think you’d be?
A prosecutor.
Have you traveled anywhere exotic?
I have traveled on two occasions to some very remote locations in the Mosquito Coast region of Honduras.
If you could meet someone from history, who would it be and why?
I would want to meet any of the members of the U.S. Army Second Ranger Battalion who scaled the 100-foot cliffs at Pointe du Hoc during the invasion of Normandy in World War II.
These heroes, who helped end the war, sacrificed their lives during their successful mission to seize and destroy German artillery in order to prevent them from firing at American troops landing and wading onto Omaha and Utah beaches.
Last summer I had the opportunity to travel to Normandy, France. I can only describe my time there as a life-changing experience for me.
What’s your favorite food?
Pizza. My all-time favorite is Buddy’s Pizza, founded in downtown Detroit, Michigan, and famous for their deep-dish square pizza.
What’s your favorite holiday?
Thanksgiving. A holiday focused on reminding ourselves of all that we have to be thankful for in our lives.