I am a Minnesotan through and through. Born in St. Paul in the 70’s and lived my early childhood in a small town called Tracy. In 7th grade we moved to Spicer, where I graduated high school & attended college in Willmar at Ridgewater. Then, I moved to the Twin Cities where I started my career at Ameriprise Financial in 1996. I am a big MN sports fan. Vikings, Wild, Twins, T’Wolves, & Gophers to name a few. I’ll cheer for any MN sports team, especially if they face off against Wisconsin. I enjoy snow skiing in the winter and being on the lake in the summer with family and friends. My wife and I moved to Big Lake in 2008, where I joined a dart league at McPete’s with my brother Cory. I have helped support my kids and our local youth by coaching tee-ball, baseball, football, wrestling, and lacrosse. I have been active member in booster clubs such as wrestling, football, & lacrosse. Currently, I am president of the Big Lake High School booster club for both of our girls and boys lacrosse teams.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My wife’s name is Becky and we are coming up on 15 years of marriage. We have two great kids, 13 year old twins Eli and Lili. They are 8th graders at Big Lake Middle School. Becky is a teacher at Liberty Elementary, Lili is on the high school dance team and Eli wrestles, plays football and lacrosse.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I’d say I am a big fan of all of our restaurants in town and typically rotate. At the top of the list I’d say is El Loro, No. 1 China, McPete’s, Trails, Third Rail & The Buff. Apparently, I am a big foody as well!
Q: Please tell us about your current, past or future career plan. What do you/did you love most about it?
I work downtown Minneapolis at Ameriprise Financial. Currently, I work two days from home and three days in the office. Part of what attracted us to Big Lake is it was closer to the family cabin in Perham & I knew the North Star commuter rail was coming soon to Big Lake. Plus, I grew up a small town kid, so I love that vibe!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
14 years ago we bought our home in Big Lake.
Q: Who is an interesting person in our community that you’ve met and deserves to be included in The Faces of Big Lake project?
Wow, so many great people it is hard to pick just one. One of my favorites is Brian Blackman. We have kids that are in the same grade and have coached youth football together.
Q: Do you have any pets? If so, what are they and what are their names?
We have a 16 year old Maltese Poodle named Meeka.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV Shows?
My favorite movie of all time is Braveheart. It has everything I enjoy, action, humor, history, love and could watch in over and over again!
Q: What is your favorite holiday? Favorite season?
My daughter would say my favorite holiday is her birthday, but I don’t have the heart to tell her that isn’t a holiday. I’d say my favorite holiday is Christmas. Not only is it time to watch Christmas Vacation for the 33rd year in a row, but just watching my kids light up no matter what presents they get each year is priceless! Oh yeah, family and food is great as well.
Q: What advice would you give to people living in Big Lake?
Enjoy the close-knit community and come out and support our local kids in whatever activities they love.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Visit Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon with my family.
Q: What is your favorite current or former business in our community?
One of my favorites was the salad bar & outside view at Russell’s on the Lake. Interested to see how the new place does.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I am really impressed with how many individuals in our community come together to support our local youth and high school. I have met so many good people and friends that no matter if they no longer play, I am still just a big fan of theirs and want nothing but the best for them.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Living in Big Lake with my amazing wife and us seeing our two children graduate high school and start their journey like I did so many years ago. No, I am NOT CRYING, YOU’RE CRYING!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I really enjoy singing Karaoke and hope it comes back to our town soon!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Without a doubt my love, my conscious, my rock – my wife Becky!
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of Big Lake?
Community – Friendship – Home
