This quote, made famous in the 1993 film Tombstone, staring Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday, has been added to everything from coffee mugs, t-shirts and tattoos. Problem is most people do not know where the saying comes from or what it means. In the movie Doc Holliday says "I'm your Huckleberry" to Jonny Ringo as an acceptance for a gunfight. However, the actual word should have been "Huckle Bearer."
A huckle is actually the name of the handles on the side of a casket. Today we say "Pall Bearers" but in times past it was "Huckle Bearer." Therefore when someone would say "I'll be your Huckle Bearer" they would be saying, I'll help carry your burdens or help you with your troubles.
So WHY is this at the top of my bio page? Well I'm here to be your Huckle Bearer. What troubles do you need help with? And just as Doc Holliday was not "on staff" or a sworn deputy he was there to partner with Wyatt Earp during times of need.
I grew up on a simple farm in West Texas, the second oldest of seven children. My school, nestled in a cornfield, had just fifty students ranging from kindergarten to eighth grade, with teachers and staff living on-site. Growing up in the remote northwestern corner of Texas, I developed a love for Western books by Louis L'Amour and Zane Grey, as well as old Westerns that aired on Saturday mornings on our single black-and-white TV—complete with foil-wrapped rabbit ears. Like many boys of my era, I spent my childhood pretending to be a cowboy, sheriff, or part of a posse, equipped with faux pearl-handled six-shooter cap guns and a straw hat.
Although my education and career path took some unexpected turns—spanning law enforcement, psychology, car sales, military/government intelligence, and more—each experience broadened my knowledge and skillset. It wasn’t until I ventured into cybersecurity that I realized I had found my true calling in the “wild west” of the modern age. In many ways, I could now be one of the heroes I admired in my childhood, fighting for justice and protecting the frontier in a world where the dangers are digital rather than physical.
With over 20 years in cybersecurity, I now help CISOs and CIOs navigate the chaos, rallying the best talent and resources needed to safeguard their digital frontiers. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of developing novices into experts and mentoring cybersecurity leaders across industries. I was honored to be a member of the Federal Critical Infrastructure Program Working Group and one of the founding contributors to the NIST CSF Implementation Guide for Healthcare.
“Phil has a unique ability to translate complex cyber security and risk management topics into digestible actions and then lead an organization or team to implement them.” - Adam Hawkins, EVP Healthcare
"I collaborated closely with Phil on several security projects, as a trusted business partner. I found Phil to be uniquely experienced and knowledgeable on creating, building, and deploying successful, holistic cybersecurity programs and technologies at several healthcare provider organizations. Phil takes a 360-degree approach, and he takes the time needed to truly understand his stakeholders, end users, and executive decision makers. He understands the importance of bringing everyone along and engaging the whole organization on the value of security, gaining trust, cooperation, and participation . I am grateful for having partnered with Phil, for his collaboration and sharing his knowledge. I highly recommend Phil as a trusted business partner and cybersecurity expert." - Ellen D., Former Senior Executive & Business Partner
“Phil played a pivotal role in launching my cybersecurity career by recognizing my potential beyond my lack of experience. His leadership, industry expertise, and willingness to share knowledge greatly influenced the path I’m on today.” - L. Robbins, NMHS Cybersecurity Analyst
"Working with Phil was pivotal in my cybersecurity journey. When I first started in the field, his guidance and support provided me with the foundation I needed to quickly grow and succeed. Phil’s ability to simplify complex security concepts and foster a collaborative environment made learning accessible and impactful. I am grateful for his mentorship and highly recommend his advisory practice to anyone looking to advance their cybersecurity knowledge or break into the industry." - Skylar Poole, IAM Security Engineer / Amazon
“Through working with Phil on a previous project, it is clear that Phil has an incredible understanding of how to implement security controls in an organization. However, this is not what stands out to me. What does, is that Phil has an incredibly unique ability to build a security culture within an organization that allows for security controls to happen naturally. Phil truly makes security something that all employees want to be a part of to allow for an extremely mature control environment that fits flawlessly into an organization's business functions without adding roadblocks on business objectives.” Steve Ryan Head of Healthcare Services, BARR Advisory
“I have enjoyed working with Phil for the past several years and have tremendous respect for his passion and knowledge of Security. I've seen him present at numerous events. His ability to articulate complex security related concepts in a way that makes sense to all levels of aptitude is impressive. He is someone that is not afraid to take action and implement solutions that are needed.” - Ron Stevens, RKS Equity Group
“I admire that Phil doesn't back away from a challenge. In the organization I work at, of almost 10,000 employees, he took us from 0 security posture to a fully realized cyber security program with leadership buy-in across the organization in just a few years.” - Nicholas Lewis, Health System IT Service Management
"Working in cybersecurity can be overwhelming especially when you are just starting out. Phil's knowledge and skills provided guidance, clarity and achievable goals that helped form the foundation for me to build a successful career. I could not thank him enough!" – Erik Bolanos, IT Security Engineer, Healthcare
"Working with Phil was a pleasure. His practical advice and solid recommendations on how to get started in the cyber field were very helpful in navigating the early part of my journey." - CT, SOC Analyst
"Phil possesses a remarkable blend of motivational gifts and unparalleled expertise in IT security. His true passion for IT security, combined with his ability to inspire and guide teams, ensures that organizations not only meet but exceed their security goals. Phil’s commitment to excellence and his dedication to helping leaders lead make him a standout consultant and professional in the field." - Eric Lopez, IT Security Manager, UMC Health System
“Phil had a profound impact on my Cyber Security career. He took a chance on me when I had no experience and through his training and leadership I mastered the basics and learned so much more. I am living proof that he has the knowledge and experience needed to turn novices into valued professionals.” – Ann Murphy, IT Security Architect, Health System
“Phil’s coaching made a significant positive impact on my career and gave me the courage to seek opportunities that I would not have considered. Phil can simplify issues because of the knowledge and skill he has gained over the years of being in the cybersecurity field. He has brought real-world examples to the table challenging me to solve them causing me to grow in my confidence as a cybersecurity professional.” – Peggi M., Senior Consultant
While working with Phil, we were selected, accepted, and we presented our academic cybersecurity case-study results and best practices at HIMSS16, to share our knowledge and help educate others on how to build a successful cybersecurity program from any stage. With Phil’s leadership, support, participation, and encouragement, I was highly successful in delivering our first and subsequent Healthcare Executive Advisory Councils. Our councils helped other CISOs to network, help each other solve cybersecurity challenges, and share best practices, ideas, and contacts. I am grateful for having partnered with Phil, for his collaboration and sharing his knowledge. I highly recommend Phil as a trusted business partner and cybersecurity expert. Ellen D. – Former Senior Executive & Business Partner
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