Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My wife (Laura) and I have been married for 22 years. We have three children, Hannah, Rita, and Hayden. Our latest family picture is below, taken at the sunflower field on the farm.

Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I’ve always been a farmer, and I started helping my dad on the farm when I was 12 years old. I learned to drive a tractor long before I was able to drive a car. What I love most is the harvest season.

Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Klavon’s and the Courthouse Pub are the two local restaurants I go to most often.

Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Since I was born in 1964.

Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Leah Goldstein, a bicycle racer I met when she was speaking here in town. She is the first woman to win the “Race Across America” and she did it in just 11 days. She is very inspiring!

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Ireland. It’s a beautiful country and I would love to take in some of golf’s rich history there.

Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
“Forrest Gump” is my favorite movie, and I’ll watch it any time it’s on. We also like “Last Man Standing” in our house, but Laura and I identify with different characters!

Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be kind. There is way too much division in the world today. People should learn not to respond and just let things go sometimes.

Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I’ve started doing some woodworking and furniture making, and it’s something I’d like to get better at.

Q: Who is your “go-to” band when you can’t decide what music you want to hear?
Guns and Roses. Or Ted Nugent if I’m in a mellow mood.

Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Darrell’s Market. I remember Jim Blauvelt was always at the counter, up to his elbows in meat, taking care of customers.

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?
Mike Rowe, the Dirty Jobs guy. I like how he promotes getting into the skilled trades and not just a 4-year college in order to be successful. I would take him to Bad Brewing, for sure!.

Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Dart Container. It’s fascinating to me that our little town is the world headquarters for styrofoam cups.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
My plan is to retire in 3 years when I turn 60. My nephew (Chris) is going to take over the family farm (6th generation!) and we’re building our retirement home near El Dorado Golf Course.

Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Late last year, in what was further evidence that 2020 was just a dumpster fire, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. So far medication is managing my symptoms and keeping things under control. We’re taking it day-by-day, but my family has been a great support for me.

Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Yellowstone National Park, where we took the family in an RV for a vacation.

Q: Favorite month? Favorite holiday? The best single day on the calendar?
December (lots of family birthdays). Christmas (time off). First day of harvest.

Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A perfectly- executed golf shot. Just like the 118-yard pitching wedge I put 3 feet from the pin yesterday at #8 White at El Dorado. I got a birdie!

Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife and kids, for sure!

Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Fresh-turned soil in the spring and garlic cooking in the kitchen.

Q: Who would you like to see nominated for The Faces of Ingham County?
Russ Whipple.

Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family. Gatherings. Grandparents.