My background begins with my entering the U.S. Army in 1975 where I served with distinction as a Russian Linguist. I was given a ROTC scholarship where I graduated with a degree in Biochemistry and Chemistry. After that I served two years on active duty in the U.S. Army as an Infantry officer. I led a platoon as a Bradley Platoon Leader and was the executive officer for HHC 2nd Armored Division. I finished out my time in the Army in the reserves in 1993. Since 1987 I've worked as an Oracle Database Administrator (DBA) where I became an independent consultant in 1990 and have worked mainly in this mode. In 2002 I took an opportunity to spend one year in Russia where I taught conversational English at a Russian university in Siberia. In late 2005, moved to Costa Rica with my Russian wife and son where I started to work in a new corporation I had formed, Global Tasks, Inc. In 2007 I formed Global Tica Services Group S.A. as a "near-shore" outsourcing company. This concept was something that Chris and I have talked about for the past 5 years. We were fortunate to make this a reality this past year. Finally, as a jazz enthusiast, I have formed a benefits association (non-profit) to bring the first truly international Jazz Festival to Costa Rica (www.globaljazzfestival.com)