Hey Buddy Collective

HEY BUDDY COLLECTIVE FOUNDER

Born and raised in Southern California, I moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1999, where I've called home ever since. In 2009, I began college at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where I met Austin during my sophomore year. What started as a college friendship became a bond that lasted for more than a decade. I ultimately graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2012 and went on to build a career in Journalism & Marketing.

By day, I'm a marketing professional. By night, I'm building Hey Buddy Collective.

When Austin passed away in 2025, and after losing so many other friends over the years, I found myself reflecting on my own life and asking a simple question: What am I doing for other people?

I felt like I had to do more. Give back in some way. Build something bigger than myself. And most importantly, find a way to keep Austin's legacy alive.

The idea for Hey Buddy Collective came to me in a dream. I woke up knowing there was something there—and I've followed that idea ever since.

Hey Buddy is my way of turning loss into purpose.

It's a reminder to check in, start conversations, create connection, support mental health, fight addiction, and make sure the people around us know they don't have to go through life alone.

Austin spent years saying "Hey Buddy" to me. Now, I hope those two words can mean something to someone else.