David brings a wide gamut of unique experiences and knowledge to his coaching approach at Petra. A lifelong entrepreneur at heart, David began his first venture shortly after college, launching his own English-teaching business in Spain and Mexico. Returning to the US after two years abroad, he continued his entrepreneurial journey over the next 25+ years – launching four companies, conducting workouts and restructurings, and leading detailed financial analysis and strategy consulting for companies across the US ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies.

Prior to joining the team at Petra Coach, David founded and ran PatientFocus, a billing company in the healthcare space, after discovering a unique way to help patients manage their self-pay obligations. As one of the first companies focused exclusively on outsourced patient-billing solutions, David became a thought leader in the revenue cycle space advocating that insurance claims are about transactions, while patient billing is about relationships.

David was also the co-founder and COO of two specialized finance companies. During this time, he developed the first financial-underwriting technology used by both Fitch and Moody’s to assign credit ratings to Critical Access Hospitals.

David’s experience and discoveries during his time abroad and at home sharpened his ability to see what’s possible and then make it happen! Coming full circle back to teaching and making the complex easy to understand, he brings his expertise and passion for coaching to help other leaders realize their full potential.

David received an MBA from Vanderbilt University and earned his bachelor’s degree in English from Denison University. He made his most significant discovery of his life while in Spain, where he met his wife, Renee. David and Renee have three children and reside in Nashville, TN.