About

Building Things

I’ve always been a builder.

Sometimes that means designing cybersecurity programs. Sometimes it means creating websites, launching businesses, developing training programs, or helping nonprofits strengthen their operations. Other times it means taking an idea scribbled in a notebook and turning it into something tangible.

One of those ideas became The Flaming Bean.

What started as a curiosity about coffee evolved into a business focused on quality, storytelling, and community impact. Through The Flaming Bean, I’ve explored everything from sourcing and roasting to branding, e-commerce, and product development. More importantly, it has given me another avenue to connect with people, support charitable causes, and build something that reflects my values.

Coffee sits at a unique intersection of craftsmanship, culture, and conversation. Whether it’s developing new blends, collaborating with nonprofit partners, or helping bring a coffee brand to life, I enjoy the challenge of creating products that people genuinely look forward to experiencing.

The Flaming Bean represents something I strongly believe in: businesses can be successful while still supporting communities, advancing meaningful causes, and bringing people together around shared experiences.

Giving Back

Service isn’t something I do when I have spare time—it’s part of who I am.

Over the years I’ve volunteered with organizations ranging from Habitat for Humanity to local community initiatives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, my brother and I manufactured and distributed face shields for healthcare workers and emergency responders when supplies were scarce.

Today, much of my volunteer effort is focused on helping survivors, nonprofits, and community organizations leverage technology safely and effectively. Whether that’s developing security awareness training, mentoring volunteers, supporting investigations, or helping organizations improve their resilience, I believe technology should be used to empower people—not exploit them.

Through ventures like The Flaming Bean, Tony Hunt Consulting, and Operation Safe Escape, I’ve discovered that some of the most meaningful work happens when entrepreneurship, technology, and service intersect. Whether I’m helping a small business improve its cybersecurity, supporting survivors through nonprofit work, or building products that give back to charitable causes, the goal remains the same: leave things better than I found them.

Beyond Work

When I’m not working, you’ll probably find me writing, reading, gaming, cooking, tinkering with some new technology, or cheering on the Buffalo Sabres despite decades of evidence suggesting that may not be the healthiest emotional investment.

I’m still working on that fantasy novel. I’m still fascinated by emerging technology. I’m still learning, building, and finding new ways to solve problems.

And I’m still the same guy who believes that doing the right thing matters, even when it’s difficult.

Why This Blog Exists

This blog is where I share lessons learned, cybersecurity insights, nonprofit experiences, business challenges, technology discoveries, personal projects, and the occasional random thought that refuses to stay inside my head.

Some posts will be technical. Some will be personal. Some will be about coffee. Some may be about gaming, leadership, advocacy, or whatever project has captured my attention that week.

If you’ve made it this far, welcome.

I hope you find something useful, something interesting, or at the very least, something worth thinking about.

Builder. Problem Solver. Advocate. Lifelong Geek.

That’s probably the shortest version of my story.