I have lived in Mukwonago since 2001 but started coming to Mukwonago during the summers in 1988 – attending and then working at Phantom Ranch Bible Camp. It’s fun living in a place that is so close to so many different things to do as a family, but at the same time is set apart and feels like a small town. Jessica and I have loved raising our kiddos in this awesome place!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Jess and I have been married since 2006 and we have 5 amazing kids – Bailey 7th grader; Henry 5th grader; James 4th grader; Matthias 2nd grader; and our baby is Danielle and she’s 2 ½ . The kids are involved in a lot of activities & sports so that keeps us running around like crazy! Jess and I both come from huge extended families that we are very close to – she’s 1 of 43 grandkids and I’m 1 of 20 grandkids! We love to spend time together doing activities like downhill skiing, waterskiing, and traveling. We also love our neighborhood and all the great families that we get to do life together with!
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I’m a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones in Whitewater. I absolutely love partnering with people to set goals and to try and achieve them. I’m blessed to walk with people as they navigate life and hopefully make their steps a little clearer.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Fork in the Road, Badger Burger, and Scott’s Doghouse (can’t go wrong with a great Brat!)
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I’ve lived here since 2001 and worked here since 1992.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Arnie Fickau. He’s got some amazing stories of life and he’s still working well into his 80’s!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Bora Bora. I’ve always wanted to stay in one of those huts over the water.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Goonies, Braveheart, and Maverick for movies. Nothing will beat Seinfeld for a TV show.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Any job big or small, do it well or not at all!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I would love to climb Everest someday to see the top of the world! I fully realize this isn’t going to happen, but it would be fun to go!
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Skillet, U2, or Imagine Dragons
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Kona Café was so good – miss that place. I would have loved to be around with the A&W Root Beer stand was here on Lower Phantom.
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?
Michael Jordan. He was my childhood hero and it would be great to get to know him. Hickory Sticks @ Morningstar….. b/c we would obviously be golfing!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love the people. It seems like everyone I meet has each other’s backs and looks out for one another.
Q: What have you done to make Mukwonago a better place?
Hardest question to answer…… I hope that the time I spent working at the Bible camp and church has been impactful. I do believe that the biggest way I can give back now is to raise my kids the right way and have them live out their faith with those around them.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I’m happy where we are now, so I plan that in 5/10 years I’ll be doing the same job and living in our same house (hopefully my remodeling is done by then!!).
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I went to a NKOTB concert in middle school (I don’t like to admit that to many people!!)
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Pokhara, Nepal
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
June; Easter; December 25th
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Family time up north
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife – she’s the most patient, kindhearted person I’ve ever met!
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Charcoal grill (obv no lighter fluid!!!) and a forest full of pines.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Rest, breathe, and welcome.
