My journey to Thrivent was inspired by my desire to serve, teach, and impact others. I received a BA in Education, Biology from the College of St. Scholastica in 1992 and am in my third term and Vice Chair on Esko’s School Board. I’ve coached a variety of sports teams, coordinated our youth basketball program and worked within other local booster groups over the years. It’s been personally rewarding to serve the community that has provided so much to me and I’m grateful for the opportunity give back.

Both natives of Esko, (15 minutes south of Duluth) and together since high school, my wife Sandra and I knew that we wanted to raise our family in the community that values education and invests in kids. 

We enjoy the outdoors, time with family, and exploring new places. Some of our fondest memories were road trips with the pop up camper when the kids were still young, from DC to Glacier National Park and points in between, not to mention camping and fishing treks in and near the boundary waters. It seems like yesterday that we were changing diapers and tripping over legos, then juggling youth sports schedules and music lessons. Then in a blink, we have 4 adults who amaze us regularly.  

 My previous career includes 23 years at the Duluth Paper Mill in both a production role and as a safety professional. In 2000, Sandra and I purchased a Scandinavian Gift import business that we continue to operate, distributing to stores across the US and Canada.