5 random facts about me
1. I have a dog, and his name is Bentley
Bentley is a Shih Tzu-Poodle mix. He has a big personality and lets everyone know it. He loves placing his green ball underneath the coach and trying to get it out. Bentley also enjoys chasing squirrels and barking at the local Amazon truck. Bentley is currently 11 years old.
2. I am a certified and licensed nutrition coach
I am fascinated with the science of food and how we relate to it. I decided to learn more about our eating habits, lifestyle choices, and food behavioral cognitive thinking by becoming a certified nutrition coach. It has helped me better understand the consumer/client mindset around desired outcomes and what barriers or pain points people face in their day-to-day lives.
3. I proposed to my wife on top of a 1,207 ft. crater in Hawaii
I remember this moment like it was yesterday. As we ascended the face of the crater, I made it a point to get to the top before she did. As my wife reached the top, she was clearly out of breath. She then proceeded to ask me why I did not stop with her occasionally. At that moment, I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me. She said YES!
4. I won the Minnesota bodybuilding championship
While working out one day, I was approached by an older gentleman who asked me if I had ever considered competing in bodybuilding. At first, I was really turned off by the idea. After several months of being asked by the same guy, I finally said OK. After my first show, I was so impressed by the friendliness of the people in the bodybuilding community that I was sold. Three years later, I won the overall title for the Mr. Minnesota Bodybuilding Championship. This moment is really important to me because it opened my eyes to how a person can believe in you even when you do not believe in yourself.
5. I have volunteered throughout my community
I have always believed in helping others to create understanding, shared experiences, and community. Over the years, I have volunteered for several non-profit outreach organizations. One year, I volunteered during the holiday season as a red kettle ringer for the Salvation Army. I have also volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and Ronald McDonald House Charities.
I am inspired by…
Experiences: They create a foundation to broaden our horizons and perspectives.
People: We are all uniquely individual and have a story to tell.
Collaboration: I believe in the power of collective thought, teamwork, and innovation.
Problems: I love developing solutions to help solve them.