CURRENT MISSION

Life's a book - Write it, Live it, Love it.

ABOUT ME

I'm Clayton. I love my family and friends above all else. I am very ambitious. I like thrill-seeking and having fun, but occupy most of my time with work and other hobbies. I play guitar (and am obsessed with music). I figure since we only live once, you have to do the best you can with the time that God gave you. I believe in Karma, myself and human decency. I believe the best way to judge a person's character is by how they treat those that they do not have to treat well.

PHILOSOPHY

Treat others well - you never know when they could be someone you come to depend upon.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I've only had the pleasure of hosting one gentleman, Rowan Conaghan. He is a great guy who initially stayed with me indefinitely in LA, and we then met up again in Chicago. We still keep in touch.

Interests

Music: performing, listening and viewing. Philanthropy: I think the best thing someone can do is make as much money as possible and spend the rest of their life finding ways to make the world a better place. Business: I love business...trading, starting new companies, helping others. It drives me to be a better me. Education: Always be learning!

• books
• education
• philanthropy
• walking
• partying
• traveling
• music
• guitar
• boxing
• business
• teaching
• tours

Music, Movies, and Books

Books: Catcher in the Rye, Huck Finn, anything Bret Easton Ellis.

Music: Metallica, and all things rock, house and dub step.

Movies: Miracle, Top Gun, Inception, Usual Suspects, Braveheart, Warrior, Thomas Crown Affair, Argo, Trainspotting, Requiem for a Dream, Walk the Line, Cinderella Man, The Fighter, American Psycho, Imitation Game the list goes on...

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I once was walking down Michigan Ave. in Chicago during the middle of winter and saw a homeless man standing on a cardboard box on the side of the street wearing no shoes or socks. He had cotton balls in between his toes to keep them warm in the 10-degree weather. He was also a veteran. I stopped, turned to him and insisted on buying him a pair from the Nordstrom's he was standing outside of. He turned to me, and very politely said: "Thank you sir, I appreciate it, but a man just walked inside to buy me a pair. But thanks anyways."

People helping people - not to mention that this man, who was homeless in the bitter chill of the Chicago cold, did not ask, and would not take, more than he absolutely needed. I'll never forget that.

Teach, Learn, Share

I used to teach Financial Literacy for my 501(c)(3), and loved it. I have a wealth of knowledge to share ranging from business, partying, traveling, succeeding, failing, persevering, and fighting in Iraq.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Good company, great tours, little-known Chicago gems :)

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Mexico, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City State

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States