I’ve led an eclectic life that has ultimately brought me to Italy via the investor visa. After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and earning my master’s in the same discipline from The Pennsylvania State University in 1997, my journey took off on the old Eurail pass. A week spent in Italy planted a seed a deep connection to its culture that would only grow over time.

In a series of bold choices, I even extended my adventures, living in Iceland for several months instead of heading home. Back in the States, I settled in Boston, taking on a “conventional” career path. I worked as an electrical engineer for several companies, including a notable stint at MIT, got married, and welcomed my son Sachil in 2006. Since 2008, raising Sachil alone has been a wonderfully challenging part of my life, constantly fueling my spirit.

Despite advancing to a prestigious position as a director of engineering at MIT Lincoln Laboratories, I left to pursue a new career: professional internet poker. That decision, which would turn my life upside down in the best possible way, allowed me the flexibility to pursue my passions and build an incredibly close bond with Sachil. My poker winnings eventually paved the way for a shift in focus. In 2019, I retired from poker to explore my other interests, including professional soccer coaching: a passion that inspired my idea for an English school where children learn through soccer. This innovative idea eventually led me back to my long-held love affair with Italy.

I had visited Italy 10–15 times over the last decade hiking the Sentiero degli Dei in the Amalfi Coast, playing pickup soccer with dedicated players in Milan, and swimming in the Mediterranean off Sardegna. In the summer of 2024, I even spent four weeks in Cavalese teaching English as part of a sport and language camp. I love Italy. I love the culture, the food, the wine, the focus on quality of life, and the deep connections you can make with people. I love the beauty of the country, I love the passion, and I have formed some great bonds there.

As Sachil graduated high school in 2024 and moved on to Dickinson College where he studies economics and plays on the soccer team, I felt that the time was right for my own new chapter. After exploring an elective residence visa, I chose the investor visa route. Now I call Florence home. I live in the charming Porta Romana neighborhood, just outside the city center. I love everything about my new life here, and I am looking forward to helping other potential expats reach their similar dreams through Bridge to Italy. If you’re dreaming of starting your own Italian adventure, I’d love to help guide you every step of the way.