West Michigan Roots with West Michigan Values
I was raised in Muskegon, MI, attended Muskegon Christian School, Western Michigan Christian High School and graduated from Calvin College with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering.
My wife, Heidi, also graduated from Calvin College and has a degree in elementary education. She is currently a stay-at-home mom with our four children: Emilia (5), Jonathan (4), Matthew (2) and Thomas born in May.
I believe that the purpose of my life is to bring glory to God. We are members of Calvary Baptist Church in Grand Rapids where we are actively involved in various ministry positions. I have also served as deacon. Heidi and I are members of Right to Life of Michigan.
Spending time with family and friends, camping, being outdoors, and reading good books are things that I enjoy most.
Professional Engineer with Prein&Newhof
I have worked for Prein&Newhof, a local civil engineering firm, for ten years and am currently a professional engineer who designs and manages infrastructure projects including drinking water, wastewater, storm water, roadway, and site development projects. I am an active member of the American Water Works Association and the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Works Closely with City, Township, County and State Governments
I work very closely with city, township, county and state governments.
I have worked with Byron Township, the City of Wyoming, Gaines Township, Georgetown Township (where I serve as the township engineer), Jamestown Township, the City of Wayland, Cascade Township and the City of Hudsonville including Township Boards, Planning Commissions, Boards of Appeals, Parks and Recreation Committees, Water and Sewer Committees, and the Byron-Gaines Utility Authority.
I work with and for the Kent County Road Commission, Kent County Department of Public Works, Kent County Drain Commission, the Ottawa County Road Commission, and the Ottawa County Drain Commission. I also frequently work with the Michigan Department of Transportation and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.
I am a former board member of the Allegan County Board of Public Works.
Involved in the Community
Along with our church and Right to Life of Michigan, I have also had the opportunity to be involved with the Byron Center Chamber of Commerce, the Cutlerville Chamber of Commerce, South Kent Rotary, the National Rifle Association and mentoring Calvin College engineering students.
Entrepreneur
Two associates and I started a web based real estate advertising company WMByOwner.com, LLC in 2006, which has grown to include EMByOwner.com, and now serves all of western and eastern Michigan. Heidi and I also buy and sell local real estate and own rental property.