My current career is “Retired Guy”, which is an inspiration in itself. I guess what I’d consider my avocation now is trying to fit in my hobbies with volunteerism and involvement in good organizations. I’m a Lakeville Chamber Ambassador and current Chair of the Lakeville Chamber Foundation. I’ve been on the board of the Friends of the Lakeville Arts Center for over 20 years. And I am also a member of the American Swedish Institute Male Chorus.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My wife, Diane, and I met at a church outing when we were seniors in high school. We are now coming up on our 44th anniversary. We have a daughter, Kelly, who is married to Phillip Mroczek and they have given us three wonderful grandchildren. They live in Credit River so we’re happy to be able to see them frequently.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I’m retired from just under 40 years in the natural gas industry. The first 29 years was at Minnegasco, which later became Centerpoint Energy. There I started as a trainee in their service school and learned how to repair heating and cooling equipment as well as most major appliances. After 11 years I became a supervisor and learned a lot about leadership and working with customers. I also became very knowledgeable about the natural gas industry. In 2008 I took a job at Minnesota Energy Resources in their External Affairs group working with community and industry leaders throughout all regions of Minnesota. I eventually became leader of that group and retired in 2018 after 10 years with them. I got my first job at 12 years old and figured 50 years of working was enough. Now I do what I want and don’t worry about getting anything in return.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
There are several good restaurants in Lakeville, but I have to say that it’s B-52 Burgers and Brew. The food is excellent, the staff is wonderful and helpful. Jason Saji has always treated me well and calls me by my name when I stop in. That means a lot. They’re also very supportive of the community.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We’ve lived in Lakeville since 1983. We moved out here from Bloomington from a small 2 bedroom house with no basement and wanted something larger. Lakeville, at the time, was the most affordable place we could find. When we arrived here people were complaining about high taxes. I used to tell them that I moved here to a house that was twice the size of what we had in Bloomington and the taxes were half as much. They had nothing to complain about. I guess it’s a matter of perspective.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I’d have to say it was Steve Michaud. He was the one who talked me in to applying for a position on the Parks Commission which is when I really became involved in the community. I ended up spending 14 years on that board. He also encouraged me to apply myself to bigger things in my career and is, in a way, responsible for many of my accomplishments.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
There are two places I’d want to go if money were no object. The first is Antarctica. I only know one person who’s been there and I’d love to be one of the small number of people who make the trek. The second is Australia because it’s winter here and summer there.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
The first movie I can remember seeing in a theater was 2001: A Space Odyssey. It was at the Mann France Avenue Drive-in Theater. I don’t really have a favorite TV show. Most aren’t very good and the come and go. I mostly watch documentaries or reality based shows.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Always tell the truth. Be positive. Have a sense of humor. I’m a true believer that what you give out comes back to you eventually. People say that no good deed goes unpunished but bad deeds punish a lot harder.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I’ve never really had a bucket list but over the years I’ve been able to do, or be involved in, many things that few people get to experience. The experiences have been incredible. I think if I had to put one thing on a bucket list it would be to meet an American President at the White house.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
I like a lot of different music, but if I can’t decide my go to is usually Classical Music and I normally go to Classical MPR for that.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The one former business that comes to mind, frequently, is a butcher shop that was on the northeast corner of Hwy 50 and Dodd Rd. They had wonderful a maple garlic smoked bacon that I still talk about today.
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?
I’d like to meet Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden. He walked within a few feet of me at a function a few years ago and sat about 10 feet away. The King and Queen, along with all the U.S. politicians, had to get around Diane and me to get to their table. He’s seems like a genuinely nice person and it would be fun to talk to him. We’d go to the Red Fox for a burger and a couple of drinks. I’m pretty sure nobody would recognize him there.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
There’s usually little partisanship in our local politics. And, there’s tons of parks, trails and green space!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Number one goal is to be alive and healthy. I plan to travel a lot so I’ll be creating memories and enjoying new experiences.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A few people know about this, but nobody has actually seen or heard it. I’ve been working on learning the violin.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
It’s a tie between the Costa Rican Rainforest and the Scottish Highlands.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Month – June Holiday – Independence Day Day – June 4th because it means I made it another year.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A warm, sunny day outdoors walking in the woods. There’s nothing better.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
No one individual. I’m inspired by nice people with positive and generous attitudes.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Balsam Fir in boreal forest of northern Minnesota. Fresh Baked Bread
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Safe, Comfortable, Welcoming