Where did you grow up?
I have lived in Nebraska my entire life. I grew up on an acreage south of Blair, Nebraska.
Can you tell us a little about your family?
I am married to my wonderful wife Nathalie and we have two young girls, Kiki and Lola. I have 3 siblings, two brothers and a sister. My siblings and both of my parents live in the Omaha area.
Who is someone you admire and why?
I admire both of my parents tremendously for many reasons, they have shaped who I am today.
What do you love doing in your free time?
I try to spend as much free time as I can with my family. Outside of that I enjoy working out, reading, and golfing!
What are you most passionate about in your dental career?
Because we offer oral conscious sedation, we see a lot of patients who’ve had negative experiences at the dentist before. As a result, they have neglected their oral care for years. These patients commonly have lived with pain and functional issues for years. They are scared, embarrassed, and afraid they will be judged when they finally see a dentist.
The most rewarding thing I get to be a part of as a dentist is when we get to help change their whole paradigm around how they view going to the dentist. When we listen to their story, truly find out what they want and show these patients compassion it gives them hope. Many of these patients get to a point where they are able to go to the dentist without fear at all.
What are your most passionate about outside of work?
Outside of my family, I love the Kansas City Chiefs, Royals and Husker Football! I also enjoy reading and learning. I try to make it a focus to continually learn, grow and improve as a dentist and as a leader.
As a kid, what did you dream of becoming?
When I was very young I wanted to be a bull rider, after that I always dreamed of being a professional baseball player.
What inspired your path into dentistry?
Our family’s dentist Dr. Trumm encouraged me to look into dentistry when I was in college (I initially wanted to go into medicine). I took him up on an offer to shadow him for a day and as I learned more about dentistry I realized it was what I wanted to pursue.
How do you hope patients and colleagues remember you?
Someone that treated people how I would want to be treated, hopefully someone who had a positive impact on the people I served and our community.
What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?
Vanilla Bean
Do you have a favorite movie you could watch over and over?
My brothers and I watched Jurassic Park more times than I could count growing up. As an adult, my choice would probably be Shawshank Redemption.
What’s the wallpaper on your phone right now?
Our most recent family photos with my wife and two girls.
