What is your story? How did you end up in Milwaukee?

Upon graduating college in 2008 I accepted a position as an Insurance and Financial Representative with COUNTRY Financial here in Milwaukee. My first year here in Milwaukee I also met my wife Nikki Holbrook whom was starting her first year as a OB/GYN resident with Aurora. Through conversations of commiseration of our current work hours we found ourselves falling in love and eventually getting married July 2013. We both love the area and have careers where we can directly work with the community in an effort to better people’s lives.

What keeps you in Milwaukee/What do you like best about Milwaukee?

My favorite thing about Milwaukee is the up and coming generation working and living around Metro Milwaukee. The efforts and collaborations within the 20-40 year old generation are truly working towards something great. From the superior food scene to the general beautification of the downtown area I think Milwaukee is skyrocketing to the top for overall living attractiveness! It is this constant push to better the area that keeps me and my wife not only living here, but truly excited to be a part of the growth.

Favorite spot in the city?

Hands down the summertime beer gardens around the city. They are a great place to go in the summer with family and friends. Love the conversations and relaxed atmosphere!

Milwaukee festival you are eager to attend each year?

 know the most common response to this question is more than likely Summerfest; not me. For me, any of the festivals involving copious amounts of street food are right up my alley. Bastille Days or any of the heritage festivals down at Henry W. Maier Festival Park are where it is at!

What drew you to Echelon?

The overall unselfishness of the group as well as working directly with people to make a change within my community. I wanted to be part of a something which involved me physically doing something to make a change as opposed to just giving monetarily. I think it is awesome how the group will host an event to raise money and then directly work to benefit a need within the community. Through my years I have learned the biggest changes come from conversations and direct action as opposed to trying to just throw money at something. 

Share with us a memorable experience you have had thus far with the organization?

Although I wasn’t directly working with the group just yet, rather I was a follower on their Instagram, I thought it was awesome to see the Meaningful Makeover campaign. Helping someone to put their best foot forward with clothing is something I think that is very often overlooked. Directly helping someone look good and feel good can be just the jumpstart they need! Bravo, Echelon! 

What struggles do you see our city dealing with? What can our generation do to help?

The laundry list here can be quite daunting as there are many areas Milwaukee, and any large metro area for that matter, that need attention. To me the biggest problem is the racial disparities we are facing within the city. Only time and hard work for a greater good can help this situation. The younger generation is on the right track and I think/hope things continue to improve through conversations and social acceptance.