After Cassandra left me, I found myself in a dark place. I needed a change—something to lift my spirits and redefine who I was. So, I took a leap and enrolled in Barbizon Modeling School. It was intimidating at first, stepping into a world so different from my Midwestern roots, but I was determined to shed my Minnesota boy persona and embrace something new. On my first day, as I filled out paperwork, I met Linda, the head of the school. I casually mentioned that I was recently divorced and that my lease was about to expire. Without hesitation, she offered me a spare room in her home. It was an unexpected opportunity, and I seized it.
At Barbizon, I was immersed in all aspects of modeling—how to dress, walk, and carry myself on camera. It was a transformative experience. Not long after I started, another young man from Pennsylvania enrolled—Alex McCarter. Handsome and full of potential, he moved into Linda’s house just days before I did, and we had a one-week overlap. We quickly became close friends, bonding over our shared experiences. Even after he moved out, we stayed in touch. He later pursued acting and could have been our generations Brad Pitt. One of the highlights of my training was participating in runway shows and events. My body size allowed me to fit into a wide range of designer clothing, and I had the privilege of modeling some incredible outfits.
Part of the curriculum included a professional photoshoot. I brought along Micky Worley since we needed shots for the Ally Opp promotional cover. My photos turned out great, and my headshot even made it into the agency's brochure. The entire experience elevated my confidence and style in ways I never expected.
After completing the program, I was signed by the Ryder Frazer Agency, which opened even more doors.
Shortly after graduating, I returned to a nightclub where, months earlier, my date had been approached while I was in the restroom. This time, however, armed with my new style and presence, I walked the perimeter of the club, only to notice a stunning woman watching me. I approached her, we hit it off, and we dated for a few months—mission accomplished! At one point, the upscale retailer I. Magnin invited me to their San Francisco headquarters to discuss a potential future with them. I wrestled with the decision, but ultimately, I accepted a promotion with Pickwick and moved to L.A., staying within the business world. I often wonder how my life might have turned out had I pursued modeling further. In the end, my business acumen led me to start my own company, allowing me to retire at 50. Though I’ve occasionally thought about stepping back into modeling in my 50s and 60s, I never did. Still, the experience shaped me in profound ways, proving that reinvention is always possible—no matter where you start.