I was born in Santa Cruz, California and grew up bicostal. I spent most of my childhood years on the Big Island of Hawaii and my teens on the outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia, eventually graduating from Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) with a B.A. in Marketing. I am a father to two old lazy dogs, Jesse and Wesley, and a husband to their mother, Lila.
What’s something you love to do?
I love crossing National Parks off of my list. I have already visited 8 with 2 scheduled this year. My favorite so far: Zion National Park
I enjoy living out of a backpack. Whether in the woods or in the city, I love the feeling of being lost in new places.
Big fan of taking bikes, trains, public transportation or just walking. I love being a part of the surroundings rather than seeing it from the highway.
What is your favorite place?
My favorite place is home. Specifically, Saturday morning when my wife and I drink our coffee and try to best each other in Wordle.
What do you love about your job?
Every job has a teaching component. What’s the point of going through all of these experiences if you can’t share and pass them on? I love the act of teaching but I equally love when the student becomes a teacher to others.
What is the last thing you binge-watched?
I want my answer to be cooler than the truth so I am going to say Netflix’s Explained when in reality it was the newest season of The Bachelor with my wife.
What’s your favorite book?
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius.
If you could live in any sitcom, which would it be?
Parks and Rec because who would not want to live in Pawnee, Indiana? I relate with each character in their own way and could totally see myself fitting into the Parks Department with Ron.
Are you a listener or a talker?
Talker, but not by choice. Talking through my thoughts is how I organize and process; it’s my version of refining an idea on a notepad.
If you had to eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
This is going to sound boujee but charcuterie boards really do it for me.
If computers didn’t exist, what would be your occupation?
A botanist — I don’t have a green thumb but I am fascinated by the lifecycle of a plant.
What’s the scariest thing you’ve done for fun?
My wife and I once flew to Paris with no itinerary or clue how to navigate. Best test for a newlywed couple.
What’s your favorite children’s story?
Harry Potter. That was always my literary steak and potatoes growing up.
If you had an extra hour of free time every day, what would you spend it doing?
My intention would be to spend it doing absolutely nothing. I would mediate and try to watch my thoughts instead of thinking them.
Any words of advice?
Book that trip. Attend that concert. Fall in love. Don’t get lost in the details.
Why Schaefer?
The attention to detail. Every step of the way, including this exercise was intentional. The warm first impressions from Bryn, Ken, Sara and the rest of my interview team was a great reflection of the culture at Schaefer.
