What is your day job?
I am the General Manager of Irish Boat Shop Traverse City. I wear many hats including helping sell boats and retail items, towing and driving boats, operating heavy machinery, researching and ordering parts, writing and scheduling work, writing code and providing technical support, planning and even sometimes troubleshooting and repairing boats. I am not ever bored!
How long have you lived in the Grand Traverse area?
I have officially lived in the area for just over a year, but have worked and spent most of my time in the area for a few years and have lived in Northern Michigan for 11.5 years.
What is your favorite aspect of living/working in the Traverse City area?
It is fun to be part of a growing area and business. There is always something to do and most of the people are extremely friendly and active.
What do you do for fun?
Exploring, sailing, downhill skiing, backpacking, hiking, running with the Traverse City Track Club, soccer, board games, listening to and making music, trivia, reading, making and eating food, going to TCYP events, and spending time with friends and family, including my 3 nieces and 1 nephew.
How do you get involved in the community?
I enjoy volunteering at events when I can and serve on the boards of Traverse Area Community Sailing and Sail Charlevoix. I am a big proponent of community and connecting people. I went through Leadership Grand Traverse last year and highly recommend the program.
What is your favorite local business (restaurant, shop, service,etc.) and why?
There are many great local businesses, so it is hard to pick just one. I will say Grand Traverse Industries is doing some of the most important work by providing meaningful work for people with disabilities.
What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?
Maybe my current job, but otherwise, 3rd shift shelf stocker at a major retailer.
Tell us something that might surprise us about you.
I go on a week-long, solo backpacking trip every fall.
What is something you learned in the last week?
I learned how to better write macros and autohotkey to streamline a few tedious tasks.
How can other TCYP members support you (personally or professionally)?
Come to TCYP events and tell your family and friends about Irish Boat Shop. We are a medium sized family-owned and operated business that has been in operation since 1961.
