I live in Eau Claire, Wisconsin with my wonderful family. My wife Jane and I have been married for over 17 years. We have two children, Kristina and Sarah. Together we enjoy the beauty of Western Wisconsin and all the wonderful people who live here.

I began working at 14 years of age as a "clean-up" boy at a donut shop in Milwaukee. My mother grew up during the Great Depression watching her parents struggle to raise 8 children. She made sure I understood the value of a dollar when, after earning my second paycheck, she informed me that I was to start buying my own clothes. As a 14 year old, I was not pleased. As an adult, I look back on the experience as the starting point in the development of my views on personal responsibility.

Since starting work at 14, I've had many different kinds of jobs, all of which have taught me valuable life lessons. I have learned the meaning of hard work and the value of a simple glass of water as a construction laborer in Phoenix, Arizona. The interpersonal skills needed to work with all types of people were developed when I worked as a Customer Service Manager for new home sales at a national construction company. Coordination and management of large teams of people was a large part of my job in keeping a multi-million dollar home construction project on schedule and on budget for that same company. The estimation of project costs, bidding and working on the final designs of multi-million dollar fire sprinkler systems for two of the country's foremost commercial fire protection system companies was a great way to blend many of my experiences and to learn about the struggles of growing a business.

I furthered my education by obtaining a Bachelor of Business Administration-Accounting degree from the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. After graduation, I sat and passed the CPA exam on my first try. Later, I attended the University of Minnesota and earned a Masters of Business Taxation degree.

Then, my work at a "Big 6" CPA firm provided me with great insight into multiple types of companies and how the taxation system affects America's businesses. Most recently, I founded my own construction company in Eau Claire building energy efficient "Wisconsin Energy Star" custom homes in the Chippewa Valley.

I enjoy being an active member of my community here in Eau Claire and the Chippewa Valley. As a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, I have served our parish and school community in many ways including usher and Eucharistic Minister. I may have even served your table during one of our Fall Dinners or famous Fish Boils! I treasure the time I have spent working with the children in many ways: in the library or computer lab at school, on field trips to wonderful and educational Wisconsin sites like the Chippewa Valley Museum or the Ice Age Trail, and as a Sports Day team leader and this year as the Sports Day Coordinator. Our children truly are this country's greatest asset.

Professionally, I am a member of the Chippewa Valley Home Builder's Association; the Wisconsin Home Builder's Association and the National Home Builder's Association. Working closely with the "Wisconsin Energy Star" program has been a rewarding experience and has allowed me to blend my home building business with my commitment towards energy efficiency. I am also a member of the Realtor's Association of Northwestern Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Realtor's Association and the National Association of Realtor's.

Throughout my life, education and varying careers, I have been reminded that this is still the land of opportunity for all (especially if Washington stays out of our way). You just need to get out there and work for it. We live in the greatest, most generous and compassionate nation on God's green earth. I believe it is time that we, as a nation, continue to teach our children this fact.