I was born in the hospital here in 1979. Roughly 10 years later my folks moved away for some of the same reasons that make it rough to live here today. My family stayed connected to their friends over the years, they owned a piece of land as well. In 2005 my wife and I moved here for the summer and the rest is history now. 

I enjoy being still on my "days" off. While I enjoy exploring the trails—whether running, hiking or biking, being still is wonderful, there is just something about stillness. 

In the wintertime, I love getting up early and sipping coffee on my couch while it's still dark out and watching the town wake up through the windows.  In warmer months, I enjoy sitting on the back deck  with family, throwing the ball for the pup, or just watching the world go by.  Having a fire with friends on the shore of Superior is hard to beat!

My passion for coffee was subconsciously instilled in me at a young age by my dad, as I tagged along with him when he got coffee with friends. The passion really began while I was in college and working at a Dunn Bros Coffee. There are two things that formed be at the job. First it was the regulars I would see each day or shift I worked. They would come in we would have a brief conversation, and it often picked up from the last time they were in. I truly appreciated getting to know someone with coffee being the catalyst. Secondly it was the adventures that were commonly fueled by coffee from Dunn Bros. While I'm by no means a rock climber there was a period in my life when I dabbled with it and I just have fond memories of getting a dark roast from Dunn Bros and heading out to the st Croix Valley with a buddy to do some climbing. 

If your road does not have some bumps along the way you may want to consider finding a path less traveled. Bumps provide an opportunity for growth. 

My dad, Tom inspired me. Although he died when I was 18, the time I had with him was impactful. Like me he was a dreamer finding his way through life, he loved adventure and was comfortable in the unknown or in uncomfortable times. He instilled a belief in me and what I was capable of well before I would see it. 

My middle school and early high school years I ran and raced sled dogs in Michigan. When I was 15 I raced and finished the UP200 sled dog race! Still the youngest musher I believe to have started and finished. 

That they would confidently and faithfully grow into who they are created to be and contribute to the community they find themselves in!



Boreal Community Media has been featuring the"Meet your Cook County Neighbor" series for several years now.  If you enjoy reading these and would like to nominate someone to be featured, please send us an email to [email protected]