What is your day job?
After three and a half years with Norte Youth Cycling, I’m excited to have joined 20Fathoms as the Development Manager in mid-July 2024. It’s such an ambitious organization, and I’m thrilled to help be part of adding a new dimension to Northern Michigan’s economy in the months, years, and decades ahead.
How long have you lived in the Grand Traverse area?
I’ve lived in Traverse City my whole life, aside from a few years in Allendale while attending GVSU. My wife, Renee, and I have lived in downtown TC ever since I returned from school and absolutely love living and working here.
What is your favorite thing about living/working in the Traverse City area?
From our home in TC, I can get out of work and be on mountain bike trails in 10 minutes, to the beach in five minutes, or ride my bike downtown for dinner in about the same time. We’re so close to so many outdoor activities, restaurants, or scenic places. We’re seriously spoiled for choice for what to do after work and on the weekends!
What do you do for fun?
My wife and I aren’t professional beach goers, per se, but we’re really good at beach days. I’m also a runner, part of the TC Track Club, as well as a Cherry Capital Cycling Club member. I do plenty of running and riding in the summer months. I can also be found at Rare Bird or Taproot’s patio – the perfect places for dinner and people watching.
How do you get involved in the community?
I’m a member of the Kiwanis Club of TC and try to volunteer with TART at least a few times per year. I also volunteer at the Cherry Festival each year, and ran the Bayshore Half Marathon for the first time this year. We’re so fortunate to have so many wonderful organizations in our area who make living and working here a true joy.
What is your favorite local business (restaurant, shop, service,etc.) and why?
This is so tough! My wife and I love Rare Bird. The staff is just so kind, patient, and just complete professionals. The Tylers who work there know us by name and are always so welcoming. Tina and Nate, the owners, are super generous to so many nonprofits in town, too. It makes supporting them feel as good as the food and beer tastes.
What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?
During the summer before college, I was one of two card-carrying members of Girl Scouts of America in the state. I was a handyman/janitor at the camp at The Timbers, and you had to join the Girl Scouts to be employed. So, yeah. I was a Girl Scout janitor.
Tell us something that might surprise us about you.
I have a twin brother, Cody, who also lives here in TC. But don’t be shy. Say hi to either one of us and we’ll be sure to let you know who you’re talking to.
What is something you learned in the last week?
Since I’m writing this during Cherry Festival Week, I’ll say that people who come to TC to visit are blown away by how kind and welcoming TC residents are. I’ve had several families say they’re almost tired of smiling and nodding at the locals when walking downtown or on the TART. That’s kind of a cool thing to learn about our town.
How can other TCYP members support you (personally or professionally)?
Just introduce yourself. Seriously! I’d really like to meet more people in town, particularly those who are focused on growing their careers and helping give back to the community at the same time. Those are my kind of people.
