Age: 37
Occupation: Founder and director, Prairie Green School
Greatest professional achievements: My greatest professional achievement has been founding Prairie Green School. We opened our doors in 2011 to three families with an enrollment of five students. Three years later we have 17 families in our community adding up to 22 enrolled students with a wait list for next year.
Who are your mentors: Gloria Escarza (realtor, Blank and McCune), Laura Westemeyer (owner, Children’s Center for Therapy) and Tim Hawkins (founder, Hawkins Wealth Management).
Best advice you ever received: When it comes to deciding how much you want to invest into your business, don’t hold back. Invest more time, sweat and money than you are comfortable with because then you view success as the only option.
What would most people be surprised to learn about you:
I am an avid outdoor enthusiast. I love camping, fishing and horseback riding. The only thing that could make Iowa City more perfect would be mountains.
How do you ensure a balance between work and your personal life:
I believe having balance in your life is essential. All aspects of your life will be successful if you dedicate time to both your work and personal life. My wife and I have weekly date night and Friday nights are family night.
What do you know now that you wish you had known earlier in your career:
I wish that I knew earlier how powerful a community of people could be when everyone shares the same passion.
If you had $1 million to give, what causes would you support?
I would support AERO (Alternative Education Resource Education), SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education) and locally Backyard Abundance, Harvest Farm and Preserve and Soilmates.
What is your biggest passion?
I love seeing students get excited about learning. When a child develops a love of learning, the possibilities are endless.
