Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Oh boy, I have a beautiful wife, Lindsay of almost 5 years married! We’ve been together for about 13 years ( Don’t do the math!). She was a lead Guest Service Director for many years, and recently we decided to have her stay at home to enjoy the company of our two absolutely gorgeous boys, Noah Jude 2 years young, and Griffin Harrison 5.5 months old. We have 2 cats Molly and Miggy! I love coming home to my family and seeing the joy on my kids’ faces! No matter how crazy or hard the day is, I know Lindsay was destined to be a mother and loves with all her soul. She is a soldier giving the boys everything they need and it’s exactly what my boys need the most now for our family!

Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am currently the bar manager at a craft cocktail lounge, The Parlor. I started out in the F&B Banquets Scene out at Crystal Mountain Resort where I was really formed by some great role models and professionals. I worked my way towards becoming a bartender and loved aspects of the “fun, speed, hustle, entertainment, knowledge, conversation, and respect you attain by this profession”. I made my move to Traverse City in 2015, to hone my craft and build my career. I absolutely love being hospitable to people. I love being genuine and building relationships with the community and new patrons alike! I can describe it as a theme park for a kid, but with social interaction. You choose to have an experience and to be welcome by those servicing your request, or recommending a new treat/ attraction. You bring people together to interact and learn from one another. You’re able to choose your destiny of being happy while being taken care of, catching up with old friends, and family. What inspires me the most is to hear uncontrollable laughter, to see smiles, and to know that people are enjoying themselves and the environment created for that.

Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
It’s really hard to say for me being that I rarely get time to enjoy restaurants in town and that I have my priorities of my own interests. I do love food and spreading the love to my fellow industry workers. I can say that the support of the industry to industry is very strong in our community! My wife and I had our streak (before the boys) of trying out new places. I guess Poppycocks, Red Ginger, Towne Plaza, Brasserie Amie, Firefly, Towne Plaza, Stella, and Reflect Bistro. (In no particular order) I know I missed quite a bit. We are always welcomed with such fantastic service this town has such a high par, there’s really no wrong pick. Everyone does great in their own way. Tip (ask the bartenders/ servers)

Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? What brought you to Grand Traverse County?
I have worked Traverse for about 6 years. Traverse city is the perfect environment to be able to converse with local patrons and tourists alike. I believe the area has a very welcoming social platform which brings a lot of attraction. The community is so passionate about preserving the natural sightlines of the bay and supporting the local businesses which I think are truly amazing. The city and surrounding area is growing, which speaks gold.

Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Unfair question as I’ve met countless persons with a variety of backgrounds in my line of work. The most interesting ones to me personally are the innovative goal oriented go getters. The passion that they have and the love for what they do grabs my attention. I guess I’m a little biased on “interesting person” as I try my best to connect with individuals and see into their perspective.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I think I’d travel to my mother’s homeland of Laos. I want to learn more about the culture and find my roots. I know Thailand is said to be the more modernized oasis of Laos, but to experience a third World country would really complete my yearning.

Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
It depends on My mood… Full Metal Jacket, Friday Night Lights, Truman Show, and Waterboy/ Me, Myself, and Irene. For TV shows I’d say New Girl, Black Mirror, GOT, Lucifer, and Spartacus. I can easily binge series no problem.

Q: What advice would you give to people who want to visit our community?
I’d say to stay in an Air BnB to get a closer glimpse of the community. Plan a couple of extra days. Shop local. Start the day in the surrounding area for scenic views and attractions and work your way into the city in the evenings, then vice versa to capture the full spectrum. If they are going for a low key stay, try to catch us in seasonal transition so that they can enjoy simple a less stressful stay.

Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Attend an Olympics/ Travel out West/ Go on a cruise

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 wife and I’s closest friends from our wedding party. We’d probably barbecue somewhere such as West Bay beach, or rent out a place such as The Little fleet so everyone can decide what the want to eat at the food trucks and we can all have a few cocktails together, play games, and reminisce our much simpler lives before careers, babies, etc.

Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I think it’s the big city feel, but small enough to enjoy. You literally drive 5-10 minutes in any direction you are seeing farms, fresh water, and nature. There’s a vast variety of different clubs, hobbies, and activities for the demographic here. The acceptance of tourism, festivals, and social culture is unique. The midwestern mannerism and low crime rate are also a bonus!

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself living healthy and happy with my growing family. I see balance with home/ career life. I see myself sharing the amenities of this beautiful community with my family and financially comfortable. This is our home and I see many memories yet to be made!

Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I pretty much show and tell anything anybody asks about me… Maybe that I’m a random music box and like to mashup random songs in my head sometimes out aloud if I’m comfortable with my audience! I play guitar. I was very good at video games. I have focus/ binge addictions possibly?

Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
It may be cliché, but its the overlook out on Pyramid Point on a chilly day when there are still ice caps on the shore.

Q: Favorite month? Favorite holiday? and the best single day on the calendar?
July because it’s my birthday month and everything is going at full force. Christmas for the traditions and the extra family time. The gift of giving and children behaving just a little extra always brighten the mood for the parents! February 29th of course! It’s a very rare and special day for everyone and those that are born this day get to gain another year older!

Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My two boys have given me that extra pep in my step to do well and show them that anything is possible! I want them to have great work ethics and determination, but let them understand balance in that. I’m still learning, but they are making it easier and realizing I don’t have to give them everything. I just have to be there for them. I won’t be able to buy back the things I’ve missed.

Q: What is your favorite season in Northern Michigan? And what is your favorite activity to do in those seasons?
I honestly enjoy fall transition. I like the fact that pesky mosquitoes die out from bugging me all summer. The leaves are beautiful (even though I have to clean them up). My favorite activity is fall softball, campfires, playing cornhole, and breathing crisp cool air.

Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Love, Comfort, There’s no place like home