Where do you work, what do you do? I am a Certified Exit Planning Advisor. I help business owners create a blueprint to maximize the value of their business. This allows them to be best positioned to exit whether that is at retirement, or due to any number of unexpected life events. I also help owners and employees successfully manage the ownership transition that follows. www.headwatersstrategic.com
 
Education/training? I have a bachelor’s in marketing from Western Michigan University, and a master’s in management. I also a graduated from the executive education program from Harvard Business School.
 
What was your first job? I was 13 years old and worked at my family’s chicken hatchery and egg farm. I renovated chicken houses, cut grass and cleared (what I remember to be), substantial amounts of manure from the coops.    
 
Hometown? I currently reside in St. Cloud. I was born and raised in Fremont, Michigan; which is also known as the Gerber Baby Food Capital of the World.
 
Family? Names of spouse, kids.  How long have you been married? My wife’s name is Kiessa. She works for the State of Minnesota as a policy advisor for advocates serving long-term care residents. We have been together since 2014 and married since 2018. My stepson, Aden, is a senior at Gustavus studying computer science.    

Pets? Our best friend for the last 5-years has been a spirited rescue dog from Mexico named Chukka. He is the happiest dog I’ve ever seen. Loves walks and is a super cuddler.
 
Favorite Book or Author? Pillars of the Earth, by Ken Follet.
 
Favorite Movie? Well, there are so many individual movies that I like. It is difficult to say, but I’ll always watch an Indiana Jones flick.
 
Favorite Food? Many favorites, but New Orleans French Quarter cuisine I will never pass up. My favorite restaurant there is Oceana Grill.  
 
Do you have any hobbies, play any sports, etc.? I love to hike. My favorite place to hike in Minnesota is along the Superior Hiking Trail near Duluth. Out of Minnesota, I have done rim-to-rim day hike at the Grand Canyon, and many others. My wife and I also love to travel and meet new people.
 
Comment on your involvement in CMMA: Prior to starting my business in April of 2020, I spent 7-1/2 years as head of Sales and Marketing for a Minnesota manufacturer. I believe in our community and think this background is a great fit to serve in furthering our goals, especially workforce development. When I joined CMMA in the fall of 2020, there was a need for a Marketing Committee which I gladly started and have remained active in. I recently accepted a board position as well, and I am looking forward continuing our efforts with other leaders.
 
What would CMMA members be surprised to learn about you? Over the last few years I have developed a love and appreciation for the people and country of Costa Rica. My wife has long had ties there, and we traveled there together in 2018 where I proposed to her. In February of 2020 we renewed our vows there with 35 of our family and friends. Because we are planning more trips I decided to learn the language. I began taking online Spanish lessons in April of 2020 from a Costa Rican instructor.