At work, I am a marketing and communications professional in the automotive industry. In the community, I am an advocate for young professionals. At home, I am a husband and girl dad.
At heart, I am just a kid stuck in an adult’s body.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I married my high school sweetheart, Shayna, nearly 10 years ago. We have two beautiful daughters, Charlotte and Eve.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Out of college I spent several years exploring my passion for local wine and hospitality, working and managing local wineries on the Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas. Before joining Bill Marsh Auto Group as their Digital Branding Leader last summer, I was the Marketing and Communications Specialist at Cherryland Electric Cooperative for over five years. In my free time, I serve as the chair of the Traverse City Young Professionals program through Traverse Connect. I have been active with the group for six years. Personally and professionally, I love bringing ideas to life creatively. They can be my ideas or someone else’s – doesn’t matter. There’s no better feeling than a concept coming together in the creative space. So, whatever my life holds in the future, there will always be an element of creative thinking and execution.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
You can’t beat Red Ginger! But when I am not eating sushi, my family and I like to visit Sleder’s Family Tavern. Now if I could just convince my young daughters that kissing the moose isn’t scary…
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? What brought you to Grand Traverse County?
I was born and raised in this community. Oddly enough, my best job offer out of college was back in Traverse City. I couldn’t be happier the way it all turned out.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I had the privilege of interviewing Emile Dufresne, local WWII veteran, for a magazine. He told me stories of his life, his service as a medic with the U.S. Army’s Third Armored Division, and his family. I think we spent nearly three hours together that day!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would love to visit Germany. I am of German heritage, studied the language in college, and a friend of mine is a Catholic priest there. The food and beer are also tempting.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I am a huge Jim Carrey fan, so any one of his movies would be my favorite. My favorite TV show by far is It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
Q: What advice would you give to people who want to visit our community?
Visiting in the summer is a must, but don’t rule out other times of the year to come north. There is no shortage of things to do, places to eat, and sights to see all year-round.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I would love to see Bruce Springsteen live in concert. You will often find my family dancing around the house to “The Boss” on Saturday nights.
Q: What current or former local business makes you feel the most nostalgic about our community?
My most formative years were spent in the halls of the Old Town Playhouse. I’m reminded of not just the performances, but of the friends I’ve made there and all the adventures we had together throughout Traverse City.
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 choose my friend and mentor Rachel Johnson. We always have a great time together. And when I need some guidance personally or professionally, she always has some words of wisdom to pass along. As for the lunch spot, I would let her choose.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
My favorite thing about this community is its generosity. We are blessed to have so many charitable organizations in this region. This is a community that takes care of its own.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Well, wouldn’t you see yourself sipping champagne on a yacht in Grand Traverse Bay? But in all seriousness, I see myself continuing to advocate on behalf of young people and their families who want to make a life for themselves in this area.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am a big metal head. While some of my family and friends know this, many don’t know that my taste for metal music continues to get heavier and heavier as time goes on. It’s the natural progression of heavy metal head-dom.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Besides Traverse City?! I’ve been fortunate enough to visit Jackson Hole, Wyoming in both the summer and winter. The Grand Tetons will make your jaw drop.
Q: Favorite month? Favorite holiday? and the best single day on the calendar?
September, Christmas, and June 21 (my wife’s birthday!)
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Those wonderful women who dominate my household
Q: What is your favorite season in Northern Michigan? And what is your favorite activity to do in those seasons?
Fall is my favorite. With the cooler temps and colorful trees, there’s nothing better than wandering the grounds of the Grand Traverse Commons. Oh and of course it’s the beginning of football season!
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Where I’m standing
