Al has always been interested in the stage and performance. Possessing a degree in Psychology, he was always a connector, and wondering how do people connect when humor is a factor.  Naturally funny people were an attraction, and he was drawn to doing stand-up comedy. While in the corporate world, he would dream about how to make people laugh. He realized humor could impact the corporate world and designed shows and workshops that focused on how a company works. Along the way he was attracted to improv, joining Comedy Sportz in downtown Raleigh, and then founding his own group, The Village Idiots. His career altering experience came when he attended Paul Sills workshop; an intensive workshop on Improvisational theater.  He was drawn to improv because people are reacting to each other, in the moment. Unpredictable, exciting, and unscripted, improv is a real art form. The most attractive characteristic of improv was the teamwork. Performers had to work together for success, but when they did, the results were powerful. Later, as comedy critic for Spectator Magazine he gained insight into what worked on stage by observing.

Approximately 15 years ago he discovered Toastmasters which is an opportunity to learn and practice speaking skills, as well as facilitation skills. For years Toastmasters has taught him how to get to the point, share the focus and make others look good. The meetings are never about one person getting all the attention. Improv is similar. In the last five years he has combined his Toastmasters experience with his 20+ years of Improv to impact the corporate world.