I am a graduate of COCC's small business management program which helped us to build a business in La Pine that was purchased by a Fortune 500 company in 1999. While enjoying retirement, I started a women's fitness center in Bellingham, Washington before selling it and moving back home to La Pine where I worked for the SBDC and started La Pine Business Center 12 years ago. I have facilitated for OK in that past and am delighted to be co-facilitating the first OK Group in La Pine.

I have been and Insurance and retirement advisor for the last 16 years with COUNTRY Financial and have owned my own agency for 13 of those 16 years. My biggest joy is owning my own business, being an employer of full time jobs in Southern Deschutes Co., and helping those that I come into contact with. My time away from work seems to be chasing my 4 kids around the state as they participate in school and activities, as well as having time with my wife of 23 years.

I work for La Pine Park and Recreation District as the adult programs director and the facilities director. I have spent the majority of my career in marketing and organizational development, both in the private and nonprofit sectors. Additionally, I have been a pastor for more than 20 years.

Been Married almost 40 years. Came up from California in 2004 to start a business that was different from what I'm doing now. Had a few different jobs through 2008 when my wife & myself lost our jobs due to the recession. We started our business L & M Painting in October of 2008 and have been growing ever since.