From Serving His Country to Serving 28 Million Moments 🏟️🎟️

A Calling to Serve

Steve grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona, with a deep-rooted desire to serve his country. “My dad and grandfathers all served,” he says. “They didn’t make careers out of it, but for me, it was a calling.” He dreamed of flying fighter jets and joined the Marine Corps after graduating from Arizona State with a degree in political science. But dreams evolve. After entering the Marines’ aviation program, Steve found himself drawn more to leading Marines on the ground than flying above them. “It turned out I loved being with people, leading them. That’s where I thrived.”

After five years of active duty – including a combat deployment to Somalia – he was forced out during post-Desert Storm downsizing. It was a tough landing. “One day I’m leading Marines in Mogadishu. The next I’m sandblasting highway stripes in 113-degree heat,” he says. “That was a brutal transition.” While serving in the Marine Reserves, Steve worked in logistics and eventually moved into the nonprofit world, where he supported veterans through roles at the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services and Student Veterans of America.

That path led him to Vet Tix. “Their mission was simple: give something to those who gave,” he says. After meeting the founders and volunteering his time, he officially joined in 2016 as Chief Strategy Officer. Since then, he’s helped grow the community to over 2 million members and distribute more than 28 million free tickets through strategic partnerships in sports and entertainment. Steve retired from the Marine Corps as a Colonel in 2019 after 32 years of service, including global deployments and senior roles shaping military strategy and tech innovation. His lifelong commitment to service was recognized with his induction into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame. Today, Steve remains a recognized leader in both the veteran and sports communities — building bridges, creating access, and always finding new ways to serve.

Creating Impact Through Live Events

Vet Tix operates on one core idea: giving veterans and first responders a chance to decompress with family and friends at live events – sports, concerts, theater, you name it. “Most of our tickets come from the sports world,” Steve says. “And it’s more than just a night out. It’s about creating memories. Making up for the time they missed while deployed or on duty.”

As CSO, Steve builds relationships with sports teams, leagues, and corporate partners to grow the mission. “It’s about showing them the impact. We’re not just handing out tickets – we’re helping people heal.”

Passion & Authenticity in Hiring

When it comes to hiring or mentoring, Steve focuses on passion and authenticity. “I want to see that someone’s not just looking for a job – they care about the mission,” he says. But he’s quick to add that the best hires also show humility and a desire to grow. “You don’t need all the answers. Just show me you’re willing to learn and be part of something bigger.”

“Find a mentor,” he says. “Someone who’s been through it and can guide you. And be bold – introduce yourself, even if it feels uncomfortable. Nobody’s going to step into your comfort zone. You’ve got to step out of it.”

Leadership and Letting Go

Over decades of service, Steve says one of his biggest lessons came from learning to adjust expectations. “I used to expect from others what I expected of myself – and that led to a lot of frustration,” he admits. “You’ve got to meet people where they are, not where you want them to be.”

He still lives by a Marine Corps principle: know yourself and seek self-improvement. “If you're stuck, take a hard look. Maybe it’s not the world – it’s you that needs to grow.”

Paying It Forward

Steve’s purpose is rooted in the chance to lift others. “I’ve been in dark places – transitioning out of the military wasn’t easy,” he says. “If I can help someone avoid those struggles, give them a boost, that’s my ‘why.’” And he’s seen the impact firsthand. “When you hear from someone you helped – maybe they landed the job or got the interview – those are the moments that are truly enriching. When you see the fruits of your labor start to grow, it’s a great feeling.”

His last piece of advice for the next generation: “Don’t just go for it – go through it. Get uncomfortable. Shake hands. Introduce yourself. You never know what door you might open just by being brave.”

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