I was born in Winona, MN and currently live in Winona with my son. I am a proud father, son, brother, and uncle! I attended Winona Senior High School and Winona State University, graduating with a degree in Engineering in 2001. I worked out of state for several years but eventually moved back to Winona and then changed careers in 2008. I have been involved with the Real Estate & Property Management Business since then.
When one of the RIPple moms asked me to attend a board meeting and become a board member, I gladly accepted. I have seen people that I grew up with use drugs and alcohol to cope with their struggles and end up in treatment, jail, or with death. Seeing this has opened my eyes and shown me that addiction is much more prevalent than I had previously realized. I understand how close I may have been to letting the stresses of life get me and perhaps following a different path or being roped in by addiction. People are looking for a way to cope with their struggles, but sometimes it gets out of control and takes over their lives. The prevalence of fentanyl nationwide has increased the risks of death exponentially and hundreds of people are unintentionally dying from fentanyl poisoning every day.
I want to help make a difference in the lives of people around me. I think that we can and MUST find a better way to treat addictions and the people trapped by addiction. We must encourage and teach people how to achieve their goals, build self-confidence, and how to care for themselves if they have not been taught properly. We need to lift them up, to make them feel proud and appreciated, and to give them the support and encouragement that allows them to thrive so they can live happy, productive, and fulfilling lives. At the same time, we need to warn people of the dangers of fentanyl and other drugs, educate members of society, and teach people how to help!