White Dove Releases, Wedding Doves, Funeral Doves & Dove Franchises

Education & Accomplishments

I have accomplished many great things in life at an early age, and for this I truly am grateful. I am an Eagle Scout and received this highest rank of scouting at the age of thirteen. I served a voluntary church mission for two years in the beautiful country of Portugal, becoming fluent in Portuguese. I caught my first pigeon by hand when I was just five years old, while visting California; this is when I became fascinated with the birds.

I served six active (Honorable) years in the United States Air Force. During this time I earned three degrees, despite all the deployments to the Middle East after 9/11.

I hold an A.S. Degree in Managment from Park University, an A.A.S. Degree in Aerospace Technology from the CCAF, and a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from Park University (Missouri). I am currently working on a M.B.A. with an emphasis on International Business and Entrepreneurship. I am a firm believer in education; it truly does open wonderful doors and opportunity, especially when combined with my experiences in the business world.

I am an Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran who was blessed to make it home alive. It was these birds of peace that comforted and got me through all the difficult times in Iraq. While there, I also managed to write my business plan for United Doves and was able to take this vision and make it a reality after returning home from the war.

Even though the war did give me some disabilities, I am living proof that if you want to be successful despite all the trials that may come in life, there is hope, and "where there is a will there is a way".

I am doing what I enjoy, and learning to do it very well despite obstacles that would have caused many others to give up a long time ago.

Inspiration for United Doves

I've had birds most of my life, but not until I was 12 years old did these birds serve a higher calling for me. At this early age, I lost my grandfather, who was a big part of my life. He accomplished many great things, including graduating from Stanford University with a Doctorate in Mining and Engineering, graduating from the University of Utah with a J.D. in Law, and speaking 5 foreign languages fluently.

My grandfather always knew about the great passion and respect I had for these birds, and when my father told me of his passing, the inspiration of a "dove release" was a natural reaction. Back in 1989, the Internet wasn't around to promote new ideas and services, and I had never heard of anyone doing a dove release. I had a flock of white homers (rare in those days) that had not been let out of their new loft for about three months (my friend told me they would fly away if I didn't keep them in longer).

After attending my grandfather's funeral service, I felt compelled to dedicate these birds to my grandfather and liberate them, just as he was liberated from physical pain and mortality. I thought if these birds are meant to stay around and not fly away, then I would keep and care for them just as I had wanted to care for my grandfather. I liberated my whole flock the same day. All the beautiful white birds took off gracefully and flew for over 30 minutes. Then to my astonishment, after I blew the whistle to signal feeding time, and they all went right in the loft. I didn't lose a single bird! I believe God and my grandfather were looking down on me, assuring me that he was in safekeeping.

God spoke to me through my heart on this February day in 1989, and I realized I had a gift to share with people who normally would be looking sadly down at the ground when a loved one passed away. Instead, when people looked up towards the sky and watch the birds fly, they would see hope and peace. I continued to release doves at funerals. Word spread about my neat little niche business and it slowly became more popular. People began to pay me for my services, and I made money on the side at a very early age.

I share this story because I believe this service is a type of ministry. I never started this business to make money. Instead, I began this tradition because of the symbolism, hope, and beauty it brings. I found the meaning, and then the money came -- not the other way around.