Q: Please tell us about yourself.
I’m an Elk Rapids native who has lived in the area my entire life and now reside in the Central Lake area. I graduated from Lake Superior State University with a B.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife Management with a concentration in Wildlife Management. With the passion of being an outdoorsman and getting my degree in the wildlife field, I pursued a personal dream of owning my own property, which I achieved at the ripe old age of 28. In doing so, I completed a home renovation of an old farm house and also manage the property for hunting and farming for my family and friends. Somehow, whenever I find fun free time, I can be seen cruising the back roads in the CJ and walking the beaches in Grand Marais.

Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I’m currently a Parkland Steward for the Grand Traverse Conservation District. In this role, I provide safe recreation for people while protecting wildlife and the environment across multiple Grand Traverse County Parks and other municipalities that consist of over 2,500 acres. On a day to day basis, the best part about my job is being out on the trail system, making it sustainable and safe for users. I especially enjoy seeing and hearing how grateful people are who enjoy our trail systems.

Q: What is your favorite book?
The Great Lakes Water Wars by Peter Annin

Q: What are some of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I’m a sucker for sammiches and za! Folgarellis is definitely my top sandwich deli spot, while my favorite pizza spot has got to be Short’s in Bellaire.

Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? What brought you to Grand Traverse County?
I’ve been living in the area for my entire life and fortunately enough, my profession kept me in such a beautiful area.

Q: What advice would you give to people who want to visit our community?
The best advice would be to take advantage of all the hiking, biking, boating, swimming, rock hunting, shopping, festivals, farm markets and other outdoor activities that our great community has to offer.

Q: If you could choose anyone today with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you all meet?
Honestly, I would love to just enjoy a luncheon with my amazing lady. I think we would find ourselves at Lil Bo.

Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love that the Hippie Tree has become an icon in Traverse City that everyone can visit and put their mark on.

Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I can solve the Rubik’s Cube in under 30 seconds.

Q: Which yearly event in Grand Traverse County do you enjoy best?
Believe it or not, The Northwestern Michigan Fair.

Q: What is your favorite season in Northern Michigan? And what is your favorite activity to do in that season?
My all time favorite season is by far fall. I really enjoy being on the trails and being in the woods hunting this time of year.

Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Grand Marais, family and peace