ROOTS & EARLY LIFE
I grew up in central Minnesota, in a small town of about 900 people.
We lived on a farm, and much of my early life was shaped by that environment—open space, responsibility, and a strong connection to the outdoors. My dad owned local restaurants and worked long hours, while my mom managed the bookkeeping for the business.
My sister and I had chores that were simply part of daily life. It wasn’t something we questioned—it was just what you did.
Outside of that, I spent as much time outdoors as I could. Fishing, hiking, canoeing, swimming, exploring the woods around our farm—those were the things I was naturally drawn to. I could spend hours outside, often walking with my dog, just enjoying the quiet.
At home, I had a strong foundation. My parents were supportive, and we were close as a family. There was always a sense of stability, which gave me something I didn’t fully recognize at the time: a deep sense of security, independence, and connection to the environment.