Transformation [trans-fer-mey-shun]
noun: a thorough or dramatic change in form, appearance, nature, or character.
From Survival Mode to Success
I’m Coach Tony, and my life has been a story of transformation. I live in Merion Village, Columbus, Ohio, with my wife and lifelong partner, Liz. We love our urban lifestyle—spending time with friends, exploring new restaurants, and relaxing at Indian Lake. But my journey to this life has been anything but ordinary.
For 25 years, I built a successful career in technology, marketing, project management, and leadership. I climbed the corporate ladder, earned recognition, and achieved financial stability. But along the way, I discovered my true passion—helping people break through obstacles and achieve their biggest goals.
Now, I wear many hats:
✅ Life & Health Coach – Helping people unlock their full potential through goal-setting and transformation.
✅ Consultant & Leader – Specializing in technology project management and talent development.
✅ Author & Blogger – Sharing insights on personal growth and success through my books and blog.
✅ Athlete & Motivator – Turning my own struggles with health into a story of perseverance and achievement.
✅ Dad Joke Connoisseur – Because laughter is an essential part of the journey! 😆
But I didn’t always know myself. I didn’t always believe transformation was possible.
Here’s my journey—from survival mode to success, from self-doubt to confidence, from struggle to purpose.
Breaking Free: Overcoming Generational Poverty
I grew up in a family trapped in survival mode. Every decision was about getting through the day—keeping food on the table, staying in school, and making ends meet. Dreams and long-term goals weren’t part of the conversation.
That changed when I met Chief Doyle Hamlett, my Air Force Junior ROTC instructor. He introduced me to the power of goal-setting and self-motivation. I learned how to “keep score” in my own life, using promotions, awards, and achievements as stepping stones to something greater.
This lesson stuck with me and fueled my momentum for years to come. I realized that I wasn’t stuck—I had choices. I owned my path.
Becoming a First-Generation College Graduate
College wasn’t a given in my family. I had no idea how I’d afford it, but I was determined to make it happen.
I enrolled at Ohio Dominican College (now University) and found ways to pay my way through:
🎓 Leveraging grants, scholarships, and student loans.
💻 Working in computing services and as a resident advisor.
📚 Tutoring professors and local businesses in early internet technology.
🎙️ Getting involved in student activities—from running the campus radio station to serving as an orientation leader.
My time in college taught me more than just academics—it taught me how to create my own path in life. I graduated with honors, and for the first time, I wasn’t just surviving. I was thriving.
Climbing the Corporate Ladder & Becoming a Leader
Armed with my degree and a strong work ethic, I launched a successful career in IT, marketing, and project management at a time when technology was booming.
I had a unique skill set: I understood both technology and people. This combination helped me advance quickly—from software development to solution architecture, then into project management and leadership roles.
But my biggest transformation in this phase wasn’t career-related—it was personal.
I learned that leadership isn’t about managing people—it’s about serving them. I made mistakes, received tough feedback, and adapted. Over time, I became a leader that people wanted to follow, mentoring and developing others to reach their full potential.
And in the most important transformation of all, I married my best friend, Liz—my biggest supporter, advocate, and partner in life. ❤️
Breaking Free from Lifelong Obesity
By the time I turned 40, my life looked great on paper. But one major struggle had followed me since childhood—my health.
I grew up overweight, and by adulthood, I had reached 325 pounds. I watched my father, who battled obesity his entire life, pass away at just 59 years old. I knew I was headed down the same path.
Then came the wake-up call. At my first doctor’s appointment in over 15 years, I stepped on the scale and saw that daunting number: 325 pounds.
It was time for a change.
But I wasn’t going to rely on quick fixes. No surgery. No fad diets. No giving up the foods I loved. Instead, I approached weight loss like a project manager.
📊 I tracked my data.
🎯 I set clear goals.
💪 I took small, consistent actions.
The result?
✅ 100 pounds lost in 9 months
✅ Ran my first 5K at 12 months
✅ Completed my first half marathon at 16 months
✅ Total of 131 pounds lost in 18 months
This transformation wasn’t just about weight—it was about confidence, discipline, and proving to myself that I could achieve anything.
I chronicled my journey in my Operation Melt blog and later published my first book, “Operation Melt: How I Used Life-Changing Project Management to Lose Over 100 Pounds in Under a Year.”
Finding My Mission: Helping Others Achieve Their Goals
My weight loss journey was just the beginning of something bigger.
Around this time, I unexpectedly lost my corporate job. But instead of rushing into another role, I used the time as a sabbatical to reflect on my next steps. I asked myself:
❓ What do I really want from the next 20 years?
❓ How do I embrace the “new me” post-transformation?
❓ What is my true calling?
The answer became clear: My mission is to help people achieve their biggest goals and unlock the life of their dreams.
🔹 I dedicated my career to consulting, coaching, and leadership development.
🔹 I became a certified life & health coach to guide others through transformation.
🔹 I continued writing and sharing my story to inspire and empower.
Ultimately, I want to build a world where no goal dies of loneliness.
What’s Next? Let’s Build Your Transformation Story.
If there’s one thing my journey has taught me, it’s this: Transformation is possible for anyone.
It doesn’t matter where you start. It doesn’t matter how big your challenges are. With the right strategy, mindset, and support, you can achieve things you never thought possible.
Now, I want to help YOU take the next step toward your own transformation.
📩 Let’s connect. Whether you need coaching, guidance, or just someone to believe in your potential—I’m here for you.
🚀 Your transformation starts today. Let’s make it happen.
