I love Mukwonago! This is the longest I have ever lived in one community. After moving around quite a bit growing up (Viroqua, Waseca Minnesota, Elkhart Lake, Mauston, and back to Viroqua and my adult life (Eau Claire, Wisconsin Dells, and Janesville), my family has proudly established roots here since 2010. I have two boys who keep me busy and I spend a lot of time exploring Waukesha and Lake Geneva with my girlfriend Nikki. When I’m not working at Big Bend Elementary School I enjoy traveling to warm places, attending sporting events, and outdoor music festivals. We love our summertime boating with family on Lake Wisconsin, riding the roller coasters at Great America and hitting the waterparks in Wisconsin Dells.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My parents and sister currently live a couple houses away from each other on Lake Wisconsin near Merrimac. I have two boys (Tarek – 6th grader at Rolling Hills) and Jalen (8th grader at Park View).
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
After graduating from UW-Eau Claire in 1999 I started my professional career in Janesville teaching 8th grade and coaching football, basketball, tennis and swim. In 2007 I accepted the Dean of Students position for the Salem School District where I moved into the Elementary Principal role the following year. In 2010 I moved to Mukwonago after being offered the Big Bend Elementary Principal position. I love being in a position where I have the ability to make a positive difference in those I interact with every day. I also enjoy the variety that goes with my job and the combination of working with children and adults.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
So many good ones to choose from! My favorites are Antigua Real’s Poblanas, Espresso Love’s Chai Latte, Fork in the Road’s Meatloaf, Badger Burger’s Maker’s Mark burger, David Alan Alan’s Buffalo Chicken pizza, Knucklehead’s Reuben, a cold Moscow Mule on the deck at Lulabell’s overlooking Lake Beulah and Bourbon Street Pasta from Champps!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived in Mukwonago for 11 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I would have to say “Kilted” Ken Werner. He has been nationally recognized in magazines and TV shows as college football’s biggest superfan while supporting the Wisconsin Badgers. He has also served on the Mukwonago Village Board of Trustees and has done a ton of traveling.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would love to travel to somewhere warm. Hawaii has always been on my bucket list
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I will tune in to whatever channel is broadcasting the Badgers, Brewers, Bucks or Minnesota Vikings. I also have a guilty pleasure of watching reality shows:)
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be kind and live each day like it is your last.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Going to the Rose Bowl to watch the Wisconsin Badgers football team play.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
I’m all over the place on this one. I like a variety of music ranging from The Beatles, Garth Brooks, Jimmy Buffett and Green Day.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I really like the history of Heaven City. It is interesting to hear about it possibly being one of Al Capone’s hangouts and the alleged paranormal activity.
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?
I grew up idolizing Michael Jordan so I would choose to have lunch with him. I would like to sit in a luxury box with him at Fiserv Forum while watching the Bucks and hear stories about his playing days.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love the small town feel with the close proximity to what Milwaukee and Chicago have to offer… and of course the great schools!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Still working with kids at Big Bend Elementary School and trying to make people laugh with new ‘dad jokes.”
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I come from a family of educators. My father was a physical education teacher and high school football coach turned Superintendent. My mother was a kindergarten teacher and sister is currently a high school guidance counselor at Sauk Prairie High School.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
I would have to say Rocky Mountain National Park or Cabo san Lucas.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
I like January 1st because of all the college football bowl games and the chance to start a fresh new year.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A beautiful fall day in Madison at Camp Randall.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My family, my girlfriend Nikki, my staff at BBES and of course the students at BBES:)
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Freshly cut grass while standing over a charcoal grill.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Peaceful, chaotic and fortunate.
