What is your day job?
I’m the General Manager of one of Mammoth Distilling’s tasting rooms, where I lead the team, keep the day-to-day running smoothly, and make sure people actually have a great time when they walk in. I come up with drink specials, help design our cocktail menu, and get to play a part in shaping the vibe and experience of the place. I also plan all of our private and off-site events, from cocktail classes to weddings.
How long have you lived in the Grand Traverse area?
I have been in Traverse City for nearly all of my life. I moved to the Grand Rapids area for about a year over a decade ago but came straight back and have never had the urge to move again.
What is your favorite aspect of living/working in the Traverse City area?
There is nowhere more fascinating and beautiful than the Grand Traverse and surrounding areas. I’m not the biggest fan of winter, but you cannot beat the late Spring through Fall that we get here. We have an incredible community here and are so lucky to have so many amazing people to surround ourselves with.
What do you do for fun?
I love to spend most of my free time with my dog Harley! We do our daily morning and night walks (unless the weather doesn’t permit us) I also read daily and last year hit my goal of reading at least 2 hours every single day. I try to go to the gym at least 4 day per week and I just recently started going to hot yoga at Yen on Monday nights!
How do you get involved in the community?
Last year I ran and was elected to the Board of Directors as the Vice President of the Downtown Traverse City Association (DTCA) and have been spending more time helping plan and execute different events and projects in the downtown area. Get in touch with me if you want to volunteer for any downtown events! *wink wink* I also try to attend as many local events as I can!
What is your favorite local business (restaurant, shop, service, etc.) and why?
It really depends! So, I’ll just give a list:
Dinner: Pepenero or Cooks House, I can’t pick between the two.
Hot sandwich: Chubby Unicorn (best in TC)
Cocktails: Would you be surprised if I said Mammoth?
Book Store: Horizon, obviously.
Overall, though, Traverse Connect, DTCA, and TC Tourism all play a pivotal role in shaping our town and everything that we do here. They’re all equally my favorite(s) for various reasons.
What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?
Out of high-school, I had a part time job selling Cutco Knives and a few months later, Kirby Vacuums.
I was also a laser printer technician for a couple of years! I’d say that all of those are pretty weird.
Tell us something that might surprise us about you.
Most people are surprised to find out how much I read! I have nearly 600 books in my library, both audio and physical. I tend to listen to books over listening to music when I’m traveling or by myself. If you ever want to talk books, please come to Mammoth and be ready to talk for hours.
What is something you learned in the last week?
I am currently listening to the Dungeon Crawler Carl series and had to recently look up what a cowcatcher was. Which, in hindsight, is pretty obvious what it is.
How can other TCYP members support you (personally or professionally)?
Just let me know what I can do for YOU. I love to host events, volunteer, help however I can, etc. Or just come in to Mammoth and enjoy yourself!
Headshot taken by: BriarRose / Clik Portrait Studio by Static Silence Entertainment
