You were discovered on Instagram!I was playing college basketball, working construction and waiting tables and my mom had just gotten a new pool and she wanted a new deck for it. My friend and I took a picture of me shirtless building the deck and posted it on Instagram. I only had 500 followers, and the next thing I knew I got a call from [agent] Luke Simone saying that he was interested in seeing more. He sent me a direct message and asked for my digitals. At the time I didn’t know that was normal. Now I know it is. I looked him up and he was legit and he got back to me and the next thing I knew I was booked to a Nike job. The rate was $1,500 for the day and I was making $7 an hour at the time. I thought I hit the jackpot.
What was it like wearing a Speedo down the runway?I’m used to it now. But I remember when I first started modeling, I was never in my underwear in front of anyone unless I was in the locker room. To be in front of a bunch of people watching, specifically what you’re wearing, it was pretty crazy. It’s definitely an experience!
Fashion career goals?Working with Mario Testino. I’d love to be on the cover of GQ. That’s been a goal of mine for the longest time. I’m excited about anything that comes in.
Acting goals?That’s definitely the route I want to go. I’m back and forth between LA and New York. I’ve been busy modeling, but this will be my first pilot season. I’m extremely excited. I see myself in romantic movies and comedies. The Notebook is one of my favorite movies.
What do you do for fun?I love riding dirt bikes. I like throwing a football around and play basketball. I work a lot and it’s made me realize recently how precious time is with your family and friends. I’m trying to find the balance between that.
Do you have a special woman in your life?[Laughs] Things are getting spicy now! I do. I have someone special to me. It’s not exclusive, but I have a girl that I spend time with. I travel a lot. It’s someone who is more a really good friend. All great love comes from friendship and in order to have the best love possible, not fairytale love, you have to be best friends with that person. I’m building that friendship right now and I’m definitely enjoying the time I get to spend with her.
