David Rocker

Engineering Curiosity in Everyday Life: How Systems Thinking Shapes Personal Decisions

Curiosity has always been at the center of how I approach both life and work. From my earliest days studying Industrial and Systems Engineering at Georgia Tech, I learned that the world is made up of interconnected systems. Every process, every decision, every interaction is part of a larger pattern. Applying that perspective to everyday […]

Empowering Veterans Beyond Service: Lessons in Leadership and Resilience

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with U.S. Armed Forces veterans and military spouses, helping them transition from military service to civilian careers. This work has been some of the most rewarding of my life. Veterans bring unique skills, discipline, and perspective, but too often, they face barriers when reentering the workforce. […]

Sustainable Urban Growth in the Sun Belt: Balancing Development and Livability

Urban planning

Balancing Growth and Livability in the Sun Belt Over the last few decades, the Sun Belt has become one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States. Cities from Austin to Charlotte, Atlanta to Phoenix, are seeing unprecedented development, attracting businesses, talent, and investment. As someone who has spent a career observing systems, optimizing processes, […]

The Sun Belt as a Hub for Remote Work and Digital Nomads

remote work

Why the Sun Belt is Attracting Remote Workers Over the past several years, the way people work has changed dramatically. Remote work is no longer a temporary solution or a rare perk—it has become a permanent fixture for many professionals. In this shift, the Sun Belt has emerged as a major hub for remote workers […]

The Art of Creating: Finding Fulfillment Through Hands-On Projects

The Satisfaction of Hands-On Creation There’s something profoundly grounding about building something with your hands. In a world dominated by screens, spreadsheets, and endless virtual communication, the simple act of creating a physical object offers clarity, focus, and a deep sense of accomplishment. Over the years, I’ve found that whether it’s woodworking, home improvement, or […]

Travel With Purpose: What Exploring New Places Teaches Us About People and Possibility

Travel as a Teacher Over the years, I’ve realized that travel is more than just seeing new sights or ticking destinations off a list. For me, it has always been about learning, observing, and connecting with the people and systems that make each place unique. Whether I’m walking through a historic neighborhood, exploring a bustling […]

Giving Back: How Community Service Shapes Leadership and Perspective

The Power of Giving Back Over the years, I’ve come to realize that leadership isn’t just about guiding teams or making strategic decisions in the boardroom. True leadership also comes from understanding the world beyond your immediate responsibilities and giving back to the community that surrounds you. Community service has been a cornerstone of my […]

Shifting the Map: Where Real Growth Is Happening

For a long time, if you asked a room full of investors where the safest bets were in commercial real estate, you’d hear the same names over and over again—New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, maybe Los Angeles. These so-called “gateway cities” had the brand recognition, the corporate headquarters, and the international capital that made […]