I was born in Bay City, Michigan on August 7, 1968. I am 53 years old. As a youth I was very active Boy Scouts, becoming an Order of the Arrow Member in 1984 and earning the rank of Eagle Scout in 1986. I also attended the National Jamboree in 1985 and went to Philmont Scout Ranch in 1986. I did not go to college and have made my own way working in the restaurant industry, grocery industry, outdoor educator, and have worked at St. Vincent Home for Children. I enjoy Camping, fishing, and Back Packing and have backpacked the San De Cristo Mts. In New Mexico, Isle Royale, parts of the North Country Trail, and the last bit of El Camino De Santiago in Spain. I also enjoy games, both computer and role-playing. Most of my free time is devoted to serving the youth of Mason as a scout leader. I have been a scout leader for about 10 years in Mason and am currently the Scoutmaster for Troop 141 chartered to St. James Catholic Church. I am also the District Vice-Chair of Programing for Chief Okemos District (which covers Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties) and I’m a member of the Catholic Committee on Scouting for the Lansing Diocese and help with the youth religious awards for Catholic scouts. I’m a merit badge counselor. I’m a member of the Catholic Community of Sts. James, Cornelius, and Cyprian. I’m a member of the Knights of Columbus at St James Catholic Church and try to help with things around the church and youth group when I can. I help my wife Lisa with girl scouts when needed. When not doing these things I raise rabbits with my daughter.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have been married to my wife Lisa for 20 years. We have 3 children, Zachary 19, Lucas 17, and Elizabeth 14.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I currently work for the State of Michigan, Secretary of State in Driver and Vehicle Records. I like being able to serve the people of Michigan and solve their title and registration problems. It’s mundane but very important work.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I like A & W in Mason and Charlie Kang’s in East Lansing
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have been in the Lansing area since 1998, including East Lansing, Grand Ledge, Potterville, and then Mason for the past 12 years or so.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I used to talk to Tom Izzo when I was a cashier for L & L food centers in Carriage Hills. Otherwise, it’s probably my parish priest Fr. Kusi, I have a lot of respect for a guy who comes to the other side of the world and adopts a whole community as his family to do God’s work.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Rome. I would like to take a pilgrimage to St. Peter’s Basilica during Holy Week and do the Seven Church Walk.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite movie is Field of Dreams (“If you build it; they will come”), and I love the message. As for TV, I like Expanse on Amazon Prime because I’m a Syfy nerd.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
St. Augustine of Hippo argued that there is no evil, but rather the absence of good. I would advise folks that as our time in this world is finite, we should spend it by every day trying to put a little good into the world, to leave our family, community, and country just a little better than we found it that morning. If we each did that, then together we can keep the evil away.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Jumping out of a perfectly good airplane.
Q: Who is your “go-to” band when you can’t decide what music you want to hear?
The Rolling Stones. No doubt about it.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I would have liked to see L & L food centers be able to survive against the big box stores. I think small local business is vital to the American dream.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Barack Obama. He is at the opposite end of the spectrum as me both politically and ideologically, but I think it’s important to debate and find common ground with those we have differences with. Besides he seems like a swell guy, I bet he would enjoy a beer and a spirited debate at Bad Brewing in Mason.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I like that our county seat is not located in the same city as the state capitol. (Editor’s Note: Lansing is the only state capital that is not also the county seat.)
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Pretty much doing the same thing, but retired from full-time state employment.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I grew up in Iowa.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Philmont Scout Ranch, Cimarron, New Mexico.
Q: Favorite month? Favorite holiday? Best single day on the calendar?
December, Christmas, Dec 25th.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My wife, Lisa.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My children, the youth in my scout troop.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Bacon and butterscotch.
Q: Who would you like to see nominated for The Faces of Ingham County?
Rick Todd.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
The place I love. The place I serve. The place I nurture.
