Who I am

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I grew up in New York City, where I lived for 30 years, and was educated at Brooks School in North Andover, Massachusetts, followed by Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York. My academic and professional path has consistently bridged environmental stewardship, entrepreneurship, and community-focused development.

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In 1994, I relocated from the Northeast to Chattanooga, Tennessee, to work on an EPA-funded research and development project focused on remediating toxic sludge at a Superfund site near downtown Chattanooga. The project employed innovative plant-based and microbial technologies to break down hazardous materials and was funded through a four-year federal grant. At the time, I was working for Ocean Arks International, based in Falmouth, Massachusetts.

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With the exception of a two-year period in Dublin, Ireland—where I earned a Master’s Degree in Environmental Science from Trinity College—I have lived in Chattanooga for nearly three decades. During that time, I’ve witnessed and participated in the city’s remarkable transformation from one of the most polluted cities in America in the 1970s to a nationally celebrated model of environmental recovery and livability, including its recognition by Outside Magazine as “Best City in America.”

I live in a historic home in downtown Chattanooga, built in 1897 and formerly the residence of Mayor T.C. Thompson. I am a proud husband and father of three sons, deeply rooted in both the cultural and civic life of the city. Outside of my professional work, I am a musician, writer, pilot, runner, and an active past and present board member of several outstanding nonprofit organizations.

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Professionally, I am a licensed real estate agent and serial entrepreneur, having started, owned, and operated multiple businesses and income-producing properties over the past three decades (see CV for details). While much of my career has been centered in environmental science and technology—across both for-profit and nonprofit sectors—I also bring deep experience in business creation, fundraising, financial analysis, executive leadership, corporate governance, and consulting.

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I am the owner of The O’Neil Team, a local real estate services company. From 2020–2025, our team ranked in the top 5% of performing agents in Chattanooga. With a focus on sustainable design, energy efficiency, and cost control, I help clients identify and resolve inefficiencies in commercial and industrial properties, while also guiding the purchase and sale of exceptional residential homes throughout the Chattanooga region.

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Why I do what I do

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I am committed to making my community a better place to live - and I freely admit to being deeply motivated by a well-structured business deal. I take genuine satisfaction in assembling projects that make sense economically, politically, and environmentally. Over time, I’ve developed a professional approach that allows me to earn a strong living while contributing to environmental and community improvement. This work matters to me because it aligns with my values: we can step more lightly on the Earth while still creating profit and opportunity.

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What I can do for you

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With nearly 30 years of experience in Chattanooga’s business, real estate, and civic landscape, I bring a practical, results-driven approach to project development and organizational leadership. I am skilled at defining project needs, identifying and aligning resources, executing implementation, and measuring outcomes. My background includes hands-on experience in real estate valuation and negotiation, as well as technical work in energy, water, and environmental projects across diverse regions of the country.

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My goal is simple: to help clients make informed, strategic decisions that create long-term value—for themselves and for the community.

 

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