After eight years of working in data and business analytics, I took some time to reassess my true strengths and passions. Although I had done well in my previous roles, I realized that what I really enjoyed was connecting with individuals on a deeper level and building relationships.
A friend of mine connected to me to Northwestern Mutual, and I am now privileged to work in a context that allows me to double down on my strengths and help a much, much larger group of people.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My wife and I originally hail from northern Wisconsin and have been married for over eight years. We are also the proud parents of three children under the age of four. We’re often told “Oh, you’ve got your hands full” and “You must be really tired”, but the little ones are truly a joy to us. It is indeed tiring and crazy, but it’s a sweet, sweet time of life.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
As someone that facilitates comprehensive financial planning, I love getting to work towards actual, tangible solutions that our clients can act on. The most rewarding feeling is seeing a client go from feeling unsure, confused, or overwhelmed to feeling empowered, confident, and clear on their financial direction in life.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I thoroughly enjoy Taquerias Los Compadres. Their location provides fast service and amazing food. If you haven’t tried the quesadillas and horchata there, you’re missing out!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
My wife and I bought our first home here back in April of 2021, and we’ve been loving the area since.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
The northwestern coast of Italy. My wife and I were privileged to visit Genoa and the surrounding area before the pandemic. The area is very relaxing, sporting a lovely contrast between the ocean and the rugged hillside, and of course the food is amazing.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy is my favorite set of movies. I still prefer the books themselves, but the movies are a work of art and are an amazing experience in their own right.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
“Start anyway!” It’s easy to come up with a mile-long list of reasons for why you shouldn’t start the things you need to do. My advice is to “start anyway”. Just give it a spark. Give whatever it is a chance to ignite, and you might be surprised with the amazing results. At worst, you’ll be one step closer to your big goal. At best? Well, you can imagine the possibilities.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Space tourism. We’re living in an amazing time. It’s very possible that getting to see the vastness of outer space without going too far from home will be accessible to the common man in our lifetimes. I can’t wait for my chance to check it out. Even if the tickets are still expensive, my plan is to go anyway.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Josh Garrels or The Gray Havens, easily. Their work is different, interesting, uplifting, thoughtful, and faith-driven. I love their music and have listened to a lot of it.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
B-52’s is a strong contender. Because I live so close to downtown, it feels a little bit like “coming home” whenever I drive past it. I love the vibe and the people there.
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 would love to have lunch with Drew Brees. I’m an avid Saints fan, and he’s been a pleasure to watch on the field and off the field. It’s neat and refreshing to see someone demonstrate leadership and character on a consistent basis, and I’d love to pick his brain on the things he does to make himself better each day. I’d probably go with Lakeville Brewing Company or Mainstreet Coffee.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Having grown up in a small town, I absolutely love the “small town feel” of the downtown area, while still having access to all the amenities of a rapidly growing city. Having beautiful Minnesota farm country within a short drive only makes things better.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Running an established and well-known financial planning practice in the south metro, with a strong positive impact on the business community and local schools.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’m [slowly] running a play-by-post homebrew D&D campaign that I hope to eventually turn into a set of novels. The main story is about several characters who join a large group of people migrating to a new homeland, and their adventures along the way.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The beaches of northern Venezuela, followed closely by the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Hard to beat the beautiful water, great sunsets, and wonderful beaches in each location.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
I’m a Christmas and New Year’s guy. December is hands-down my favorite time of year.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
An evening with close friends and family; eating really good pizza, enjoying craft beers, and long strategy board games. If a board game is not available, a good movie will do.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife 😊 Her work ethic and thoughtfulness are an inspiration to me and a blessing to my family.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Coffee or grilled meat.
Q: Finally, what words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family. Rest. Safety. Hospitality. Worship. Rejoicing.