When did you graduate from BHS?
1980
Tell me some of your favorite memories of growing up in Bluffton (school, teachers, friends, etc.)
Many teachers in both middle and high school were incredibly supportive; they gave me the educational foundation that carried me through college and beyond. When we lived on Main Street, I remember walking to the Matter's farm for very fresh eggs...and watching their sheep and pigs from our backyard. The Swiss Farm, Marbeck Center, and the Dari Freeze also stand out..
What was the worst thing you did in school (i.e., that got you sent out to the hall or to the principal's office)?
Being consistently late.
What was your first job? Did that have any effect on your long-term career plans?
My first job was a Lima News paper route. I believe that free and independent news sources are crucial...but back then the route was simply the means to get stuff.
What car did you take your driver's test? What was the first car you owned? What do you drive now?
My first car was a Ford Maverick. I was so ready to drive, that I bought it before I even had a license. Now I drive a Nissan 240SX. Earlier today I attended an electric car seminar at an Energy Exp; maybe my next car will be electric.
When you graduated from high school, did you go straight to college? At the time, did you know what you wanted to major in?
I did go right to college, but it took me several years before I really had a better idea of what Ii wanted. Ultimately, I earned an engineering degree from Cleveland State University. After years of working my way up several corporate ladders, my priorities started to change. Starting my own consulting business has given me freedom that I hadn't had for a long time. Life is much more balanced now.
Explain a bit about the units you install. You mentioned that some are gas, others run on a type of biofuel. How do they work? Do you lean more toward the biofuel units?
Much of my working life has centered around gas-fired products, but I am balancing that with biofuels now. In my opinion, renewable energy sources must be developed and supported.
Tell me about where you're currently living. Do you think you'll still be there in 10 years?
Living on the edge of the Appalachians, I am surrounded by mountains. They are amazingly beautiful. After living in several large Northern cities since leaving Bluffton, this location has led to some culture shock. Experimenting with food has been fun, I'd never had grits, okra or collard greens before I moved here
What do you do when you're not working?
In my free time, I travel, hike, kayak, and ride. But I also like the action, art, and music of cities, so there is no one, all-encompassing answer.
Where's your brother, Ben, these days?
Ben is in Florida, he likes it (but personally, I can't imagine living anywhere that warm.)
You visited Bluffton recently. What kind of changes did you notice? Did you miss anything in particular?
It is always interesting returning to your home town; so much has changed, but there is also so much that hasn't - the corn is still fantastic. Main Street looks great, and the campus changes are impressive.
