My Experience

My first introduction to public service was in my family’s bakery. Helping my father bake from scratch the bread that fed our community – while also supporting the local farms that provided the flour, butter, and eggs that went into that bread – taught me a valuable lesson that I’ve carried with me ever since. No one gets through life without having to rely on someone else – and some of the greatest satisfaction you can get in this life is the knowledge that you’ve helped make a positive difference in someone else’s life.

My father supported my mother and five kids with brownies, danish, bread and pastries, all made from scratch and hard work. He created a community in the bakery and loved his neighbor with food. There is no doubt that my drive to serve my community comes from that early introduction. 

My next big lesson in public service came when I became a dad myself. One of the things they don’t tell you about having kids is that it generates a renewed interest within you to serve your community. My three daughters reignited that spark for me. 

My first local leadership position was as the first and only dad to chair the Wayzata School District’s Early Childhood Family Education advisory council, an invaluable resource that, as a new parent, gave an education on caring for my children as well as lifelong friendships. I was elected to the Plymouth City Council in 2014 and served eight years, working tirelessly to ensure Plymouth residents have the top-notch services you expect and deserve. Prior to that, I served on the Plymouth Planning Commission, as chair of the Plymouth Parks and Recreation Commission, and as commissioner of the Shingle Creek Watershed Management Commission.

I served as deputy mayor of Plymouth in 2019, and was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2022, the role I currently am honored to serve in. 

My drive and motivation is nothing more than a basic desire to be of service. Decisions made at this level affect me and my family but they also affect my neighbors, friends and everyone in my community. It matters to me that these decisions are made with thought, intention, knowledge, and care. Minnesota is my home and I want to see it thrive. I subscribe to the age-old edict that if I don’t do it, who will? I felt called to step up and do my part … just don’t ask me to bake you a pie!