ABOUT BILLY

I was born and raised in beautiful Marquette, MI. When I was a baby we moved around a lot as my Dad worked construction out of town. Eventually my family settled down though and my parents purchased the home of their dreams on the shores of Lake Superior.

Growing up on the lake was a blessing. Birthday parties on the beach were the highlights of summer vacation.

As a kid I had quite a passion for drawing. I used to think I wanted to be an animator for Disney or draw comic books when I grew up.

At age 9 I decided I wanted to learn to play the guitar. My Uncle Mark was even my first guitar teacher. After a few more teachers and a load of practice I can finally play… kind of. Throughout my teenage years I played in quite a few different bands, everything from rock to punk to heavy metal. I still play once in a while but my passion for music has shifted to other art like painting. I will always love music and know I will continue to create art in some form for the rest of my life.

Growing up my parents instilled in me the value of a dollar and the need to earn your own money. I had a job long before most children. I was working for a neighbor by age 8. (I know… child labor laws right?!!) She paid me $2.50 an hour. I would do household chores for her like mowing the lawn, cleaning the house, weeding the garden, things like that.

When I was 12 I started working summers for my Father in his construction company. Since then I have worked with my family for the majority of my life.

I did move to Madison Wisconsin for a few years after high school. Eventually I missed home and my family and moved back, which was probably the best decision I have ever made since if I wouldn’t have moved home I probably never would have met Gina.

Together we have seen and done so much. She always brings out the best in me. She encourages me to pursue my artistic passions and helped me to found my graphic design and web development company iO Developments.

Being with Gina is the best thing that has ever happened to me.