Born and rasied here in Champaign, went to high school and college at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I did move for a short time for an internship in Las Vegas, but had a strong desire to move back to this area. Once you are in this town, you are in it. I work for the City of Champaign as an Engineer EMT-B for Champaign Fire Department and am in my 8th year. Just about all my family is local. On my off days, I do home inspections as well, I try to keep busy and live the best life I can!
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What inspired you to your current career? | Growing up, my dad work at the Fire Department for 32 years, retiring as a lieutenant and so I was raised around the fire house. My older brother Todd is also a Fire Fighter with Champaign and it always interested me. When I was coming out of college, my dad got me really interested in it as a career. Once I got a little taste of it, I was hooked! I tested here, where I wanted to end up and was hired on. |
| Tell me about the home inspection? | I have always been a hands on person that likes to stay busy. My dad growing up on his off days built houses, so the construction and working with my hands came second nature. I enjoy seeing something start to finish. A few years ago, I was purchasing my first home, and the home inspector that I used after picking his brain about the job, extended an offer to come on board with him. |
| What is your favorite resturant in Champaign-Urbana and what do you order there? | That’s tough. Kamakura, on Neil street, used to be the best. But since that has closed, Oishi is great for sushi, but hands down, I love me a burger. So I would have to say Farren’s and “The Russell” is what I get all the time! |
| If you had a full time staff member that was fully paid for, who would you choose; Chef, Housekeeper, Driver, Coach, Trainer or Nanny? | Well, I love to drive, so that one is out. Housekeeping comes with this job, we all do that anyway. I enjoy working out for a long time. I don’t have any kids, but do have a dog. But I would say a Chef. I enjoy cooking, but it would be really nice to have all the mess taken care of though. |
| What advice would you give a crowd of people? | I would encourage the audience to live their life the best they can everyday. Stuff happens everyday, and finding a positive in every situation is so important. Find something to be grateful everyday and let it be known. |
| If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why? | I do love to travel. I have friends and family all over the US from a UNLV Coach to a NYC Police Officer and got a buddy in Charleston, SC. I recently got my passport and if I could go anywhere in the world right now, it would be to Bora Bora. Love the beach and the ocean! Spending a week in a hut suspended over the water for a week…. Yes that’s where I would go. |
| What is on your bucket list? | Other than Bora Bora, I think traveling would be on the buck list. But also, hang with Vince Vaughn and Bill Murray in Vegas. If we’re shooting for the stars, throw in a round of golf with Jon Daley. |
| What current/former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Champaign-Urbana? | Jarlings Custard Cup stands out. I remember going there after sporting events when I was a kid and when I was in High School. We went there the other day when I was at work even. It has that feel of nothing has changed, with the green and white tile. |
| What is your favorite thing or something unique about Champaign-Urbana? | There is a lot to choose from. But for me, it’s a fairly large city with a small town feel. It never fails, when I go to the store I will see someone I know, either from growing up here or someone I met while I was at work. Everyone is always friendly too. We are a growing community close to 80k and when you add in Urbana and the University, it might double the size. |
| Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years? | Still here at the Fire Department, Lt Carlson sounds nice. My dad retired as Lt and my brother is currently a Lt with CFD. One step at a time though. |
| What three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the work HOME? | Family. Laugh. Love |
