I grew up in Southwest Wisconsin on a dairy/beef/crop farm. This up-bringing helped teach me the value of hard work and defining your own future. I am the CEO for CentralStar which employs about 400 people helping dairy and beef farmers feed the world. I worked my way up to this role, from the bottom as they say, spending the past 20 years of my professional career with them. I did not attend college and have always viewed myself as a self-starter and self-made man where initiative can overcome whatever hurdle lies in the way. In 2012, my brother and I decided we wanted to consider on some additional business ventures to diversify ourselves. We began with setting up a LLC for property management and built an eight-unit rental condominium. In 2014, Next Door Brewing Company was born as yet another and is also co-owned with my brother and his wife.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have 4 siblings and was fortunate to find the love of my life and married my husband in 2019. We also have a cuddly bulldog named Reese.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
In my 20 years with CentralStar and Next Door, I have worked in customer service, sales and marketing, recruitment and business development. I have always loved being able to see how my efforts have helped customers and/or fellow employees achieve their goals.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Tornado Room, Bonfyre, Paisan’s
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
20 years
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Alaska: I would love to travel up the Canadian coast to Alaska to whale watch and take in the beauty of the last frontier.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Old School
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Hard work, initiative and loyalty never go out of style and can carry you a very long ways.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I would like to attend a game at every major league baseball park.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
Anything from the 1990’s
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 have lunch at Otsego Yacht Club with Mike Rowe from Dirty Jobs to hear about all the people he met and places he traveled.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I enjoy Madison’s diversity. There is something for everyone and the Midwest culture is very accommodating to all.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I am very happy professionally and would be proud to continue where I am at currently.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I never attended college
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Ireland
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
I love Halloween
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Having a grill out playing yard games with friends
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
I have been fortunate to have some strong bosses and role models along my way but specifically Dr. Ray Nebel.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Cinnamon and bacon
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
relaxation, cozy, welcoming
