As a fifth-generation Michigan farmer, my roots run deep in this state's soil and communities. My grandfather moved to the Great Lansing area and established our family farm in the 1950s, and that connection to the land has shaped my perspective on sustainability, community, and the value of tradition.
Family stands at the center of everything I do. As a husband and father to three amazing kids, I'm constantly inspired by their curiosity and reminded that the work we do today shapes the Michigan they'll inherit tomorrow. These personal foundations have instilled in me a deep appreciation for community values and a strong work ethic that guides both my personal and professional life.
The rhythms of agricultural life—planning, planting, nurturing, and harvesting—have given me a natural framework for approaching complex challenges in public service and technology. There's wisdom in these cycles that applies across domains, teaching patience, resilience, and the importance of laying proper groundwork for future growth.