I grew up on a lake surrounded by woods and farmland outside Mankato, Minnesota, where I spent summers catching turtles and causing a ruckus on my jet ski. This lakeside childhood was something I always wanted to pass on to my own family, someday.  That lake home was a special place and my first glimpse into the world of real estate - built by my parents, with my grandfather’s artisanal expertise. 

Attending undergrad at the University of St Thomas wasn't just an academic milestone; it was where I met Alison, my life partner and adventure buddy. After graduation, we embraced the idyllic settings of Beaver Creek, Colorado, diving into resort property management and relishing every chance to snowboard amidst mountain vistas.

In hindsight, there were subtle signs from my youth foreshadowing my later interest in real estate.  I watched Dad establish a successful mortgage company, Grandpa ran a plaster business, and Mom managed property investments. Another close family member played a key role in scaling Keller Williams to global prominence.  

Seeking to further my career in real estate, I enrolled at the University of Denver, earning a double Masters - an MS in Real Estate and an MBA in Marketing. This was the foundation for a thrilling career in commercial property investing and development, scaling a small team to national prominence. 

The 2008 market downturn was a watershed moment. Laid off and initially discouraged, I embraced the unpredictable twists of life and ventured into entrepreneurship, humorously channeling Michael Scott from 'The Office': 

“Would I rather be feared or loved? Easy. Both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me.” 

Taking over a 40-year-old business was like going into battle every day, but it was a challenge I was ready to face. Two years later, we made the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies in the US, a testament to perseverance, leadership, and humility; qualities that would later define my unique take on what a Realtor ought to be.

Returning to Minnesota with my now family of three was a strategic and heartfelt decision. We initially lived in a cabin in the snowy Northwoods, a blend of nostalgia and new beginnings. It was here on Big Sand Lake, amidst stoking fires and staying warm, that I worked on getting my MN real estate license.

My journey in Minnesota's real estate landscape began by achieving “Rookie of the Year” in my first year and “Top Sales” by year three. Alison, with her keen eye for detail, soon joined the team, enhancing our service quality. 

I don’t just see my role so much as a sales job, but as a leadership role. Guiding people through one of life's biggest events is a tremendous job and an honor. 

When not negotiating deals or coaching clients, I’m immersed in family life in Deephaven, Minnesota. Whether it's doing cannonballs off the dock into Lake Minnetonka, cheering at my young son’s baseball games, or daydreaming about our next travel adventure, these moments define me. 

Life in real estate has been a journey, filled with challenges and opportunities. From a lakeside kid to a successful Realtor, my journey is a testament to the power of dreams, resilience, and the magic of turning challenges into triumphs.