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

I'm a Wisconsin native, having grown up in Sun Prairie and going to college at UWM. However, I have recently moved back to Milwaukee in 2019. I'm currently serving in Relational Marketing for the National Christian Foundation Wisconsin office - but prior to that, I worked for nearly 10 years in ministry. I started my journey working in the non-profit sector in 2012 at First Church of God - St. Joseph where I served as the Communication Director for the multi-campus church in Michigan. After getting into a serious relationship with my now wife, Lieren, we had a serious conversation about our future and we felt the calling to return to Wisconsin. I worked in both secular and ministry jobs before the doors opened for me to serve at NCF WI.

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

I love Milwaukee for so many reasons. It's America's big small town - there is SO much to do and experience and it's all reasonably affordable. What I like best about Milwaukee is access to sporting events. I continued to follow the Bucks and Brewers living out-of-state, and it's so good to be back and able to attend!

Favorite spot in the city?

Me and my wife love Bayview so much! It was the first neighborhood we found ourselves in. There are so many good restaurants on Kinnickinnic Ave. and the vibe is so fun! We currently live in Washington Heights, but we love to visit Bayview when we can.

Milwaukee festival you are eager to attend each year?

I cannot wait to visit Summerfest again! In 2020 of course, Summerfest was cancelled and we were on our honeymoon during Summerfest in 2021 - so we can't wait until this summer to attend again!

What drew you to Echelon?

More than anything, it's the ability to spend time with and know other like-minded individuals that have a heart to serve the community that we love. I am so drawn to the service element and loving people that need the most love in our city. Also, it's been difficult moving back to Milwaukee after being gone for 10 years. Not only was it hard to find people with the same values we do, COVID was standing in the way of making meaningful connections with people. I'm so happy that we got connected with Echelon!

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

There are so many serious issues in Milwaukee. The biggest issue I see is poverty - and all the tertiary issues that accompany that. Food access, housing, education, and employment. One amazing thing about Milwaukee, is that there are so many non-profits that are doing such a great job already. If people were inspired to be more generous with their time, their money, and their energy - I think we would see the dial moving on these issues.