I grew up as a youth pastor’s kid in TN, GA, IN and KY. Kentucky is where I say I’m from and where most of my family resides. I met my wife Anna at Peaceful Valley Ranch just after college in 2006. Our first date was at McDonald’s in EP. We married and started our family in Kentucky soon after. We returned to CO in Dec. of 2013 to do flood recovery in the Estes Valley. For years, people asked us when we were moving back to KY. We had always intended to stay and raise our boys in EP. We haven’t left yet. I started working for the Rec District in 2016 and then moved to the School District as Athletic Director in Aug. of 2022. We love our mountain life and wouldn’t choose to be anywhere else.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Anna is my wife of 16 years. She is a published writer and photographer. I’m a big fan. We have 3 boys- Gabe, 14, Harry, 12, Boone, 10. They play just about every sport, but especially love baseball, basketball and pond hockey.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am the Athletic Director for Estes Park School District. I feel that my life experiences have perfectly prepared me for this role. I love serving and being a part of the community in this way. Sports brings people together and creates pride and community.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Ed’s Cantina, Estes Thai, Dunraven, Rock Inn
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We will have lived in EP for ten years in December.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I met Greg Overton doing flood recovery in Big Elk Meadows. Greg has become a lifelong friend and our boy’s CO grandfather. He taught them piano and guitar and how to split faw’er wood.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I watch an unhealthy amount of reruns of The Office and Seinfeld.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Love covers over a multitude of sins. Be at peace with all people. Trust in Jesus even when the church and people fail you.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Brownfield’s and the Mtn. Shop are the best! I also miss the Taco Bell/KFC option.
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?
Chipper Jones over a burger at Penelope’s.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
This community took us under their wings and made it possible for us to live here after taking a leap of faith to move here with nothing. Here are a few people that helped us tremendously- Steve and Alison Gilbert, Chris and Kathy Moody, Richard and Nikki Barlow
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
We want to finish raising our boys in Estes Park. We will continue to go or stay wherever God leads.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
My first job was a paper route on Main Street in Madison, IN, when I was 12.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Traeger Grills
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Anna models discipline, hard work, healthy living and the importance of empathy.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Relaxation, Comfort and Family
