public function register(Request $request)
{
        $validator = $this->validator($request->all());
        if ($validator->fails()) {
            return redirect()->back()->withErrors($validator);
        }

        // todo: implement user verification
        $user = $this->create($request->all());

        $code = gen_randnumber();
        $expires = Carbon::now('UTC')->addHours(24);

        $user->supportcode()->create(['code' => $code, 'expires' => $expires]);

        session()->flash('notify', 'Your account has been created. Please check your email for a verification email to 
        activate your account.');
        return redirect()->back();
}