Tell us about yourself. Tell us who you are and what you do.
I am 29 years old. I work full-time at Northland Truss and I bartend a few nights a week at Davenport Supper Club. I am the president of the FM Youth Rugby Association where I also coach our middle school program. I grew up in Big Lake, MN, and I am the eldest of four children. In high school, I was a gymnast and a diver and frequently volunteered in the community. I moved to Fargo after graduation to attend North Dakota State University and have been in Fargo ever since. In college, I joined the Fighting Snappers Rugby Club, and once done with school, I ended up coaching that program as well. It helped pave the way for what I am doing now with FM Youth Rugby. I love to laugh and have a good time whether playing “What are the Odds” with my family or hanging out with friends. I can also tell a really good dad joke! I am always staying busy and rarely sit still, but when I do, I enjoy watching movies and hanging out at home with my dog Tucker, and my cat Oliver.
Who are some people who have been influential in your journey and why? Who inspires you?
First would be my parents, they have worked really hard to get where they are by overcoming a lot of obstacles. They had me younger than planned, and they have been through so much. They made their life what they wanted it to be and it is inspiring. Growing up, I watched them sacrifice, grow, and be understanding in situations that are difficult. It is because of this that I am as motivated as I am. I want to see growth, and if that is something I want, then I have to make it happen. If I set my mind to something, I go forth and do it. I also got my empathy and patience from them. Who better to learn that from than two people who have four kids who push you to your limits? Another person who has been influential to me is a gentleman on our rugby board, Billy. He is the one who nominated me to be president of FM Youth and encouraged me to make the program better than what it was previously. He continues to support and encourage me to do that to this day. Also, I would have to say the middle school players that I coach have impacted me on a journey to be the best coach possible for them. It isn’t just about playing well and winning games. Every time they step off the field from a game, I ask them if they made themselves proud, and it makes me self-reflect on whether I thought I did well in coaching them. They help me adjust and change by looking at things through a different lens. Having those kids look up to me is one of the best feelings, and it makes me strive to grow our program every day. Seeing them change and grow into their potential makes me want others to experience that as well.
What drives you?
Seeing potential in something that I think will make a difference. I love making others feel valued or helping them grow. There is nothing better than seeing someone feel powerful or important after you help guide/ drive/better themselves. This goes for programs and businesses too. When I can see the growth and potential something could achieve, it motivates me to try all possibilities to make that happen.
What are some of your favorite things to do in our community?
I love attending BINGOs around town, going bowling, axe throwing, visiting markets, and rollerblading on many of the beautiful paths that Fargo has to offer. Anything that gets me out and about with friends.
Tell us about 1-2 books, podcasts, or professional development experiences that have changed the way you view leadership.
The “Armchair Expert” podcast. Learning from experts in their field or hearing from a new celebrity makes you take a different look at things. I enjoy learning about things I never knew before in hopes of gaining more knowledge and facts that might help me day to day. Armchair has also helped me with the way I lead by being able to ask more questions and not be afraid of saying I don’t know something, but knowing I can learn or find out. I cannot tell you how many times in a conversation I have said, “Oh, I just heard about this on a podcast” and that was from Armchair Expert.
“The Mel Robbins Podcast.” She has such a way to convey improving your life in ways you haven’t even thought of but make complete sense. What she says and how she says it makes an incredible difference in how I have changed my attitude to the most minute details of everyday life. If you want to improve yourself on a personal or professional level, this is one way to do it. Mel Robbins has helped me in so many ways.
