I am committed to leading with integrity and innovation, leveraging my diverse experiences from outdoor adventures to corporate management to inspire teams, foster community, and navigate complex challenges. 

The Story:

My journey as a leader has been an adventure filled with excitement, challenges, and growth. It’s a story that weaves through the boardrooms and break rooms of corporate life, the wild, untamed beauty of the great outdoors, and the vibrant, energetic communities I’ve helped build.

My leadership adventure truly began in the rugged and awe-inspiring landscapes of the North Shore around Splitrock Lighthouse, the stunning Sea Caves in the Bayfield area, and the serene backwaters of the Mississippi River near Wabasha, MN. As a sea kayak guide, I was responsible for leading groups of people through some of the most beautiful, yet challenging, environments nature has to offer. Picture this: paddling through the crystal-clear waters of Lake Superior, guiding a group around the rocky outcrops of Splitrock Lighthouse, or navigating the intricate maze of sea caves in Bayfield. Each trip was an exercise in leadership, as I had to ensure the safety and enjoyment of my group while managing the unpredictable elements of the great outdoors.

The skills I honed as a sea kayak guide—quick decision-making, crisis management, and the ability to inspire confidence and trust—became the foundation of my leadership style. These experiences were further enriched when I earned my Wilderness First Responder certification. This intense training equipped me with the knowledge and skills to handle medical emergencies in remote settings, making life-saving decisions under pressure. It was a natural progression from guiding on the water to leading in more structured environments, where I could apply my passion for adventure and my knack for managing teams in high-stakes situations.

At Middleby Coffee Solutions, my leadership journey took a turn toward the corporate world. One of my proudest accomplishments was implementing a cloud-based change management system. This system revolutionized how we tracked progress, managed updates, and kept everyone on the same page. It was a game-changer for the company, providing unprecedented visibility and control over our projects. The true test of my leadership, however, came with the development of new products. Managing the creation of the revolutionary ES.1, Middleby’s first new high-end home espresso machine, was a thrilling challenge. It involved navigating multiple departments, coordinating with outside business partners, and ensuring compliance with a myriad of standards. It was like paddling through those sea caves again—complex, sometimes dark and unknown, but incredibly rewarding once you emerged on the other side.

Leadership at Middleby wasn’t just about steering the ship; it was about bringing people together. Revamping the Synesso S-Series and managing the development of a self-clean system for Concordia Super Automatic Espresso machines required not just technical know-how, but the ability to inspire and motivate diverse teams. It was about seeing the big picture, navigating through the complexities, and ensuring that every team member felt valued and heard.

At The Line, my leadership took on a more community-focused approach. Developing biking programs and organizing mountain biking skills clinics were more than just projects; they were opportunities to connect with people and inspire a love for active living. One of my favorite initiatives was the Ready To Race program, a partnership with Bell Laps Productions. This program wasn’t just about getting people on bikes; it was about creating a supportive, inclusive community of riders. Seeing participants transform from novices to confident racers was incredibly fulfilling.

My experience as a cycling coach has further honed my ability to mentor and develop people. Coaching cyclists, particularly in cyclocross and mountain biking, requires understanding individual strengths and weaknesses, setting achievable goals, and providing the guidance and support needed to reach those goals. This directly translates to my corporate leadership style, where I focus on developing my team members’ skills, fostering their growth, and helping them achieve their full potential.

Leadership, to me, is about more than just managing projects or leading teams. It’s about fostering a sense of community, inspiring trust, and guiding people through challenges with confidence and grace. Whether I’m navigating the treacherous waters of Lake Superior, steering a complex product development project, or organizing a community biking event, my goal is always the same: to lead with integrity, passion, and a spirit of adventure. The journey is as important as the destination, and I’m excited to continue leading with the same enthusiasm and dedication that has guided me so far.