Author of “Off The Top Rope”
THE STORY: I was born and raised in Marietta, Georgia, and attended Sprayberry High School. I have degrees from Kennesaw State University (BBA), Troy University (MBA), and Taft University (JD).
I started my career as a professional wrestler in the late 1980s, which ran through the mid-1990s, while wrestling for various promotions throughout the Southeast. While in the corporate sector, I held executive-level positions as a Vice President, Corporate Compliance Officer, Chief Information Officer, and Chief Compliance Officer in the telecommunications, financial, and healthcare industries. I was a professor at Kennesaw State University, teaching at the undergraduate and executive MBA programs, and held administrative roles while serving as a career coach.
Becoming an author was something I always wanted to do. As a former professional wrestler, a corporate executive, and a college professor, I thought, there’s has to be something interesting within that path that could help others.
I have been blessed in both my personal life and professional careers. I have had what one may call an unconventional path in my career choices. I’m not sure too many people go from being a professional wrestler to a C-level executive to a college professor. Probably not the most straightforward path; however, that seems to be the way I do things. Hey, it may not be the track for everyone but it allowed me to live a semi-charmed life.
I learned many skills along the way that could be applied in making a living or changing careers. So, I thought my journey — as well as some uplifting, motivating stories — would help others to take a chance on a career move or job advancement.
WHY I CHOSE TO LIVE IN COBB: Cobb County has always been home to me. I enjoy all that Cobb has to offer and it keeps me close to my family.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? I love helping people. I’ve had people help me throughout my journey from professional wrestling to the corporate world to the classroom. I feel it’s important to pay it forward.
LEISURE TIME: I enjoy spending time with my wife. We enjoy walks and movies. I enjoy exercising, reading, and spending time with friends.
BEST ADVICE: I would like for your readers to know that no matter what has happened to you in your career journey, the skills you have learned along the way — as well as faith and a little bit of luck — can take you anywhere you want to go. Oh, you will have to put in the time and effort, and it may not be easy. At times, you may feel like giving up. I want you to know that if you want it bad enough, you can make it happen. Perseverance is the key. Always remember the skills you have learned from one career can translate to another career. So, don’t think that because you haven’t done something in a certain sector, you can’t make a career change or advance up the corporate ladder. It’s out there for you if you want it. If you have a chance, go for it, and don’t look back.
WHAT’S NEXT? My plan is to continue to pay it forward. I hope my journey will help people through my book and speaking engagements. I hope to have opportunities to speak at events to convey a positive, faith-filled message. Who knows, maybe another book is in the future.
Learn more about Wes at offthetopropebook.com.
