Current job: Owner, ARCpoint Labs of Vancouver, WA
Proudest professional moment: Some of the most important work we do involves DNA testing services of all types. One of those services is DNA Immigration Identity Testing One day I received a call from an agency involved with overseas domestic violence and sexual assault. A parent and a child were trapped in the Philippines and their lives were in danger. In order to leave the country, they had to have proof that they were related to someone here in the United States – in this case, the other parent. We were asked to coordinate an Immigration Identity test that would prove that the parent and child in the Philippines were related to the other parent here in the U.S.A. We had just hours to do this in order to keep them out of danger. Working with our DNA testing lab, I coordinated the specimen collections with the Embassy in Manilla. We then tested the parent here in the states. Within a week we had results that provided proof of relationship and the family was safely reunited on protected ground. Our combined efforts literally saved lives that day. I’m very proud to have played a part in that.
First job: When I was 14 years old my brother was paralyzed from the neck down after a serious injury. I took on the job of caring for him as a caregiver employed by the state. I did that job, along with two to three other jobs simultaneously for the next 26 years.
Fun fact: I’m fascinated by hummingbirds. I keep feeders all over our property and I insulate them in the winter so they don’t freeze. I’m ridiculous about it – seriously.
Favorite spot on a Saturday night: At home, with my wife, our Boston Terrier “Eli” and our Parrot “Henry” watching TV in front of the fire.
Favorite movie: The Bourne Identity series
Music of choice: Southern Blues/Rock
Favorite place to eat: Tad’s Chicken and Dumplings
Motto/Inspirational quote: “It’s not what you look at that matters – it’s what you see.” – Henry David Thoreau
