A native of Lincoln County and having lived here my entire life, I too LOVE the eastern plains and the fine folks that make up this great area. I was raised on a dryland wheat farm and had livestock in 4-H and FFA growing up, took a state opportunity with the FFA for a full year, then graduated from Colorado State University in Ft. Collins with a degree in agribusiness. I then spent 25 years in the grain merchandising/elevator management industry, both managing a group of elevators and trading grain and directing a farm-to-market program from my home office in later iterations of this career path. Having served on the local economic development council since 2003 representing our hometown of Arriba, I took a staff position in 2015 and continue to fill the role of executive director of the Lincoln County Economic Development Corporation. My wife owns and operates Eastern Colorado Veterinary Services based in Limon. Both my children graduated from the local Limon Public School.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My folks spent most of their childhoods and their entire adult lives in the Arriba community. We lost my father late last summer, and my mother lives on the home place north of Arriba to this day. My daughter got a degree in Animal Science and Ag Literacy and works for an ag-based nonprofit in Kansas City, remotely from her home in Arriba. My son is serving as Colorado State FFA Sentinel and is traveling the state with the FFA until he starts his college education the fall of 2023. My daughter is engaged to be married in July of 2023.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
As mentioned above, I spent 25 years in the grain business, working with farmers and ranchers. My heart is with these families, and now as economic development director, I enjoy seeing what can be done to increase the local county economy. My favorite components of my job are interacting with all the personalities that touch our economy, and seeing what we can do to promote ourselves and our area to outsiders.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
My favorite local restaurants include Jenny’s Mexican Food in Limon and Jean’s Family Kitchen in Hugo.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
My entire adult career, beginning full-time in 1990 until today.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
A young entrepreneur who grew up in Arriba and now resides in Flagler with his young family, BJ New. BJ is a true inspiration to all small business, and he grasps running a small business, both in his storefront and online. He has had great success and continues to be an asset to our area.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
One of my favorite movies is Fargo. I love how a pregnant Sheriff can un-do a group of big city thugs in her home county. TV Shows include Midsomer Murders and Law & Order–mysteries and legal procedurals are fun!
Q: What advice would you give to people?
My favorite movie line from Polar Express: “It doesn’t matter where the train is going, the important thing is TO GET ON!” So many good initiatives in our communities are that way. If folks would simply “get on” and help, it will be fun to see where our community train ends up!
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
As I was born here and lost my grandmother and father here, Lincoln Community Hospital takes a special place in my life story.
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 Dolly Parton at Jean’s Family Kitchen in Hugo! That woman is an icon and is SO generous in all that she does. I believe spending an hour or two and learning more about how she thinks would be fascinating!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
My favorite thing about Lincoln County is its people. We are unique in that we are rugged individuals that love our community.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself continuing to further the local economy and communities of Lincoln County. I truly enjoy serving outside of my personal needs and keep my focus on others.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am a person lucky or blessed enough to have survived a big family liquidation in a financial crisis 22 years ago. The reason I am blessed is that experience sharpened my appreciation of what we have here in our communities, how blessed I am to have my family and loved ones, and how humble I am each day to try and serve others. Not going through what I did may have left me with a much shallower perception of my world. That experience touched me personally, professionally, and spiritually.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Our local public schools are awesome. In fact, I would hold them up to any private school in any of our urban centers. Our public schools score a 10!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife constantly challenges me to stay on the high road, to think the best in folks, and get more accomplished.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Love – Faith – Future
