I grew up in Wisconsin, the youngest of eight. Upon graduating from High School, I headed to St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud Minnesota on a football scholarship. I spent one year there. I was red-shirted on the football team and ran track.

A year later I was at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. I graduated from Loras with an English writing degree, a minor in studio art and the title of Duhawks all-time leading rusher. I also participated as a sprinter/jumper on the track team and achieved all conference honors in the long jump.

After graduation I did a little martial arts training and played some rugby as a competitive outlet, but found myself drawn to the weight room time and time again. I joined my first bodybuilding contest in 1994 and never looked back.

I am a lifetime drug-free athlete, and to date have competed in 24 contests in the NANBF, NPC, NGA, WNBF, and the Musclemania series. I’ve competed in both tested and non-tested shows.

From 2000-2006  I was the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, Assistant Football Coach and Instructor of Physical Education at Loras College, where I received a Masters Degree in 2003.

I am currently teaching full time at the University of Dubuque in the Department of Health Wellness and Recreation.

I am a certified strength coach and certified personal trainer. My wife and I operate our personal training business Natural Fit Fitness Training and Consulting out of our home studio.

I am also a freelance fitness writer with a bi-weekly column in the local newspaper, and have had multiple stories published in industry magazines and websites including Muscle and Fitness.

I had my first shot at fitness modeling in 1996 and since have been fortunate to appear in many print ads, magazines, websites etc.

As of late I have been guest posing, modeling and developing my training business, as well as spending time with my wife and four children.

I hold a BA in English Writing and a minor in Studio Art  from Loras College and an MA in Physical Education from Loras College.

In addition, I am a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialst (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and a Certified Personal Trainier through the American Council on Exercise (ACE).