I was raised on a cow/calf operation out of Joes, CO off of US 36. I am the youngest of five who chose the ag/leadership route in lieu of sports. I served the State FFA Association after graduation and then continued my education at NJC in Sterling on a Livestock Judging scholarship. I continued judging as I transferred to the University of Wyoming and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Education. Currently, my wife, Leigha and I share the same career as Agriculture Educators/FFA Advisors for Genoa-Hugo and Limon Public Schools respectively.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My parents instilled a strong work ethic into all five of their children at a young age while on the ranch. My father, use to be a self-employed carpenter where he built more houses than you count on both hands from the ground up. My mom, is currently still changing lives one day at a time as she completes her 44th year teaching First Grade at Hi-Plains School. I am married the love of my life, Leigha, who also served for the State FFA Association and graduated from Sterling along my side.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
This is my fourth year teaching in my opinion, the best career. My job can look different each day as my classroom has extended to local farms to watch sows farrow or to building a shed for our Maintenance department on school grounds.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
A couple of my favorite restaurants are Oscars and La Posadita.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
This is my fourth year in Lincoln County. My wife and I bought a house a couple years ago and are enjoying the projects of owning a home
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
The most interesting person that I have met in our community would have to be Richard Meier. Not only does he serve our community of all things embroidered, this small businessman is a good friend with an open ear always willing to listen about how the school day went. He has a wealth of knowledge living in this community and bleeds Blue and Gold for our local chapters.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
A couple of my favorite movies would have to be Tombstone and The Highway Men. I also enjoy The Office and most of the Food Network. I live vicariously through most of those chefs.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be intentional. We only have a certain amount of time here, and honestly cannot allow for that to be wasted. Eliminate distractions and say what you mean to say.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The late Kmart. I remember when my mom would make a trip to the big city of Limon and whenever we would stop there, I would get a small plastic toy. Although the toy did not have much monetary value, it definitely is a memory that I hold close.
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 live to have lunch with George Strait at Oscars. King George is frequented on the Ag room playlist and would like to better hear his story rather than just his songs.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I really enjoy how close our community is. No matter the circumstance, we stand together and will get the job done or help each other out.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I still plan to be teaching the youth, however; my goal is to be teaching alongside my wife in the same school, if that opportunity arises.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I fancy a good game of chess. I have recently picked up this hobby and has blossomed into competitive strategy-filled games, as well as a possible chess club in the future.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A family-filled game night. I grew up playing cards and games, and continue to provide that tradition for my future family.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife, Leigha has continued to push me to be better. It started in college and honestly put me on the right track, and I cannot wait to see what we can accomplish with her by my side.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Faith, Family, Friends.
