Growing up in the Traverse City area, I learned from a young age that family, hard work and community service are paramount in the success of ourselves and our society. Northern Michigan is one of the most beautiful areas in the world, both in nature and in the people. I feel blessed each day waking up and being part of this community that we love so much. Raising my daughter in this region, with amazing schools and opportunities, will instill the same hard work, dedication and community love in her as I learned. I work in an amazing industry, hospitality. Each and every day for the past 20+ years I have been a part of others vacation memories of our area. It has awarded me the ability to learn more about the people and places of Traverse City and beyond. I also have the opportunity to volunteer in our schools as a board member for the schools parent teacher organization, youth sports coach, advisor to extra curricular clubs, and more. I have helped out in the classroom as a guest teacher during this pandemic when necessary and have worked with classrooms throughout the community teaching business skills to students and helping mentor future hoteliers in colleges and universities. I have served on multiple community committees and hope that this work has benefited my community and left my mark for years to come.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have a very active nine year old daughter, Harper, who teaches me everyday that there are no obstacles to big, no subject too small and even on the most frustrating days, a smile and a hug can solve everything.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am the current General Manager of the GrandStay Hotel & Suites Traverse City. I have been in this position for the past 21 years.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
There are so many different amazing restaurants in the Traverse City area that its hard to choose just one or two. We are so lucky to have the culinary experiences in our northern community. One unique and fun experience is Lobdells at the Great Lakes Culinary Institute at Northwestern Michigan College, where chefs in training put out amazing dishes daily. You truly will get to experience the chefs of the future. I urge friends and family to support all of our local restaurants!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? What brought you to Grand Traverse County?
I have lived in Traverse City my entire life and have had the opportunity to work in this beautiful community. Grand Traverse County is truly my forever home!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I had the honor many years ago meeting our Lt. Governor Connie Binsfeld who lived in Leelanau County. I was able to have some great conversations with her about life, community involvement and giving back.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Living in this pandemic, you realize how much is taken for granted. I look forward to travel and introducing my daughter to significant sites around the county. I also look forward to the day to travel internationally to Scotland where I have family that I would love to see t
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I enjoy some of the older movies and tv shows (love re-runs of the classics)
Q: What advice would you give to people who want to visit our community?
Explore! Try new things, experience the nature of our area and unique areas including Grand Traverse Commons, Downtown, nature trails. Talk to locals and try something new! Oh, and I know a great hotel for you to stay at too!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I want to travel cross county by train to see the United States in a very unique way.
Q: What current or former local business makes you feel the most nostalgic about our community?
Take a walk through the Grand Traverse Commons. The architecture and the history. You can truly walk through and picture what it was like in the early to mid 1900’s. I also have many memories walking through downtown and remembering Milliken Department Store downtown, and visiting the little red school house on Three Mile and Hammond each day on my drive home! I remember getting school supplies from Maxine Knorfske (the owner who then volunteered at the visitors center years later and who I got to again talk to and learn from)
Q: If you could choose anyone today with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you all meet for this lunch?*
I would love to be able to share lunch with my grandparents one last time. I lost my maternal grandmother at a very young age and while I have memories of her, I have so many questions that I would still love to ask. My paternal grandparents died just weeks apart many years ago and would love to show them what I have accomplished in the past 10 years and losing my maternal grandfather just seven days before my daughter was born, I would love to introduce him to Harper (as I would with all my grandparents).
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Simple. We have one of the best communities in the world. While we are a diverse community in opinions we come together when it counts and support each other in a respectful way. We work hard as a community to live in an amazing place where we give back and support each other through small business, events and experiences. At the end of the day, respect and community is the most important for all of us.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
This is a hard question. I hope that I continue to find success in my career, I hope to make myself an even better father supporting and teaching my daughter and continue to be a supporter of our community.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I have always struggled with public speaking and meeting people for the first time. While I have had to overcome in my career and in life, its still very difficult and uncomfortable.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Traverse City! Seriously, we live in a beautiful place. How lucky we are to be able to live in such an amazing place. The beaches, the lakes, the rivers, the nature trails, national and state forests and parks, downtown….we truly are blessed to be in this area.
Q: Favorite month? Favorite holiday? and the best single day on the calendar?
My favorite month has to be October…..its a beautiful time in the area with colors changing, bonfires and high school football! Holidays of Thanksgiving or Christmas which bring families together to celebrate and enjoy each others company. As for a date…..August 18 has to be the best single day as that is my daughters birthday and the day that I got the best job anyone can ever ask for – a father.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My daughter. Seeing life through her perspective and watching her learn as we do things, visit places also teaches me more about life.
Q: What is your favorite season in Northern Michigan? And what is your favorite activity to do in those seasons?
I love summers and fall in Traverse City. There is always an event or festival happening and you get to experience so many things. Just hopping on your bike and taking a ride and relaxing and seeing our beautiful community and nature on the trails and spending time with friends and family at the beach, or different events.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Amazing. Beautiful. Family.
