From my roots in the small town of Ishpeming in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to the sunny landscapes of Arizona, my life has been defined by one constant: a refusal to live a boring life. I have always embraced change, built meaningful memories, and found joy in the journey—ups, downs, and everything in between.

My path has been diverse, starting with high school jobs as a yard keeper and store clerk, which eventually led to a rewarding 30-year career in the hard-rock iron mining industry. Alongside my work in the mines, I dedicated myself to public service—becoming an Emergency Medical Technician, serving as president of the Medical Control Authority, and teaching BLS and EMT courses to over a hundred future lifesavers and local school children.

When my mining career ended, I looked south to Arizona and leaped into an array of new professional adventures, working as a marketing specialist for the state, a corporate risk manager, an operations manager, and a client relations manager.

Now officially retired, I am blessed with a beautiful family that includes three children and four grandchildren, and a partner who has been my greatest source of love and support for the last thirty years. Together, we are about to embark on our greatest adventure yet: moving to Spain to enjoy a beautifully laid-back lifestyle. Between baking, traveling, and growing old with the love of my life, I have found a new passion in creating puzzle books, and I can truly say: life is good.