Where are you from? The Upper Peninsula. Iron River, Michigan. [We welcome YOOPERS, eh?]
College Degrees? Master of Management, minor HR Bachelor in Health Administration
Associates in Science â Dental Hygiene Associates in applied science through the military
Personal life? Third of six kids. Four brothers and one sister. Married with one 13-year-old girl, a dog and a bird.
What is one of your super-talents? Being a jack of all trades, master of none. [Wait a second! You are a Master of Management!]
Is being quick with a witty comeback a super-talent? [Yes. So you are an entertainer, huh?]
What gets you really angry? Not using blinkers and driving slow in the passing lane. People who do not stay within their lanes.
Whatâs one thing that your mother/father taught you that completely changed your life?
Mom â Anything is possible with enough perseverance.
Dad- Itâs always fixable with either duct tape, electrical tape or running a new line. An occasional extra few screws may also help.
Whatâs the best piece of advice youâve been given? Give people the benefit of the doubt.
Itâs okay to say, âI donât have enough facts on the subject to make an informed decision either wayâ.
Whatâs the best piece of advice youâve given someone else?
Everyone thinks they know what is best for you, but only you have to live with the consequences of those decisions.
If you suddenly won a million dollars and did not have to work, what would you do with your free time?
First I would start a non-profit teen group home that pairs foster teens unlikely to be adopted, with shelter dogs. The goal would be to teach them about responsibility, unconditional love and working/coordinating with others within the home, to make sure their dogs are cared for while meeting other life obligations. It would also be their responsibility to make sure the dog is well behaved and well adjusted. My hope would be they could feel what unconditional love and acceptance feels like from the dog, and how to give it in return. They would also learn that it doesnât âjust happenâ and that it requires active effort every day. THEN, I would hire someone to run it full time and I would just be a part time worker there. [Admirable. Can Rotary help you achieve this dream?]
Dogs or Cats? Why?
Why not both? [You have the makings of a fine diplomat or politician.]
What is your favorite dessert?
Cake with buttercream or chocolate frosting!
Are you a traveler or a homebody?
Iâm a nature traveler and a homebody. I have no desire to tour New York, Paris, etc., but Iâll take a good backpacking trip pretty much anywhere.
Whatâs one career you wish you would have?
Already got it. This one!
If you could have drinks and dinner with anyone, who would it be and why?
Robert Downy Jr. because I think a verbal sparring match with him would be amazing.
What is your favorite meal to cook and why?
One that requires the least amount of prep. Cereal? [You ARE witty!]
Are you a morning person or a night person?
Iâm a sun person. So, in the summer I am a morning person. In the winter I am a hibernating bear.
What languages do you know how to speak?
Just the two years I had of Spanish and the exotic Yooper language.
If you could have one âdo overâ in your life, what would you do differently?
Developed a closer relationship with my sister when we were younger. (Sheâs 8 years younger.)
What is the worst job you have ever had?
Working at a Pasty [PAH-stee] Shop. More to do with management than the job.
