ABOUT

I grew up in a small Kentucky town, the second son of working parents. Mom worked in the family grocery store owned by my uncle. Dad was an owner/operator of a big rig. My brother is 9 years older than me and still mentors me today. When I was 9, I went to work in family grocery store that was founded by my grandparents. The store is operated today by my cousin, a 3rd generation owner of Anderson’s Grocery. My parents died in 2014 and 2015, and I miss them greatly. Their deaths left me with lots of unanswered questions, which led me to write this note and to encourage others to ask questions while they can.

I have been married to my best friend since 1982; back then we were 20 and 21. Now, we have two wonderful children who are pursuing their own passions in life.

I love everything about my wife, Linda. Initially, we were just friends for 2 years, then I guess we dated…but that still felt like an extension of our friendship. Before our senior year of college, Linda called me and said, “I am not going back to school if we don’t get married.” That is all I needed to hear—especially since I wanted to marry her since we first met in 1979. In fewer than 3 months from that phone call, we were married in a field on her parents farm.

We have had many other wonderful experiences together. Among my favorites…Linda first drug me to Haiti in (2007), and I was reluctant to go for the first several trips there. However, now we help lead a ministry in Haiti and have amazing memories serving together. I’ll also never forget taking my first two-week vacation, in 2019; Linda and I drove 4,400 miles in a lap of the western portion of the United States.

Our children are unique in their own ways, and what I appreciate about both of them is that, for the most part, they are self-taught in their crafts. Lauren, our daughter, our firstborn, is a professional photographer and writer. Her ability with the written word amazes me. The photos on this site are her work (laurenneal.com). As for our son, Henry, I like to say I am living out my dreams through him. He is a gifted mechanic with the Road to Indy and other professional racing series. He along with his business partner is the owner of a BMW repair and performance shop in Cincinnati. (o2uned.com).

My career has been all about technology. I discovered computers my first year in college. I have seen most everything related to computer technology: punch cards; mainframe computers; mini-computers with names like Wang and Digital; the first personal computers by Apple, Tandy and IBM; one of the first portable computers, the Osborne; the evolution of the internet, e-mail, cloud computing, and cybercrime; and the iPhone.

I am a fan of racing—with anything that has an engine. I used to watch the delayed broadcast of the Indy 500 in the 70’s with my uncle Robert because my family did not have cable. I attended my first Indy 500 in 1976 with my brother. Over the years, we camped and watched many races at the Mid-Ohio track. I got Henry into racing go-karts…and of course, our dreams were bigger than our checkbook; I miss those race days with him, and I still love the sights, sounds, and smells of a racetrack on race day. Since 2006, I have ridden around the country with Brock Yates, Jr., in One Lap of America (OneLapofAmerica.com), a highlight each year for me.

I love road trips, short or long. I suppose this affinity was ingrained early in my life; I am the child of a truck driver, after all. Once, our family headed to Florida in a 1965 Plymouth Fury. Dad liked to drive mostly at night. My big brother would occupy the entre back seat, but somehow I still managed to sleep in the back floor, laying across the hump. Seat belts did not seem to be on most people’s minds in those days. And I don’t ever remember sitting in a car seat, either. In 2003, I intentionally bought a 20-year-old BMW in San Jose, CA…with the sole purpose of driving it home across the country. I made that trip with my dad and racing pal, John Casella; click here for the complete story. I have purchased many cars many miles from home, and people often ask, “Can’t you find a car you like closer to home?” My response is, “What is the fun in that?”

I look forward to connecting with you.

Favorite Car Brand: BMW (Bimmers)

First Car: 1977 Jeep CJ-5 Golden Eagle (wish I still had it). V8 power, headers and no top in the summer

First Time Flying: 1979 to visit my brother in Germany

First Auto Race as Spectator: 1976 Indianapolis 500

First Job: Working in the family grocery store at 9 years of age, started by my grandmother, operated by my Uncle Earl (who I miss greatly)

First Motor Bike: 5HP Rupp Mini Bike, because my dad loved American brands

What I Wanted To Be as a Child: Owner/Operator of Big Rigs or the owner of a chain of grocery stores, never did either. I love the open road and visiting grocery stores though

Favorite Sports Team: Atlanta Braves (because my parents loved the Braves and we saw games at the Fulton County Stadium)

Sports on TV: Open Wheel Racing, Final Games of Playoffs(sometimes)

Favorite National Park: Glacier (so far)

Something That Might Surprise People: I was a runner in the 70’s and early 80’s before running was popular. Everything from 5K to marathon distance

Hobbies: One Lap of America (first week of May), Driving, Kart Racing

Favorite Places to Visit: Beaches, Mountains, Haiti, Race Tracks, Chicago

Serving: Board of Jesus in Haiti Ministries, Assisting people and organizations with technology, leading marriage events with Linda, helping people sell and buy cars