My passion for working with the land has guided my life and career, and I see the landscape industry as the perfect way to combine my skills, creativity, and entrepreneurial vision. My journey began in the excavation industry, where I worked in my family’s business during high school and eventually became a foreman. There, I gained valuable experience in machinery operation, grading, drainage, and hardscaping projects. From building retaining walls to preparing sites for landscaping, I developed a deep appreciation for transforming raw spaces into functional and beautiful environments. While excavation gave me the technical foundation to work with the land, my agricultural experience broadened my understanding of nurturing it. Managing my own row crop operation taught me problem-solving, resource management, and sustainability practices, while my work at a co-op introduced me to tree fruit scouting. This exposure to fruit crops like cherries and apples sparked an interest in tree cultivation and inspired my goal to grow nursery trees as part of my future career. Combining these experiences, I envision creating landscapes that blend well-designed hardscapes with vibrant, sustainable plantings. My education in Agribusiness Management at Michigan State University has reinforced this vision and prepared me to pursue it. I’ve gained valuable insights into project management, customer service, and the business operations necessary to succeed in the landscape industry. My hands-on work, both in excavation and at the co-op, has helped me connect the dots between technical skills, plant care, and the artistry of landscape design. I am particularly passionate about incorporating sustainable practices, such as selecting the right trees and plants for the environment, using efficient irrigation systems, and designing landscapes that balance functionality and beauty. What excites me most about the landscape industry is the opportunity to combine my technical expertise with my creative vision. I’ve seen firsthand how proper grading, hardscaping, and plant selection can transform a space into something truly remarkable. Growing nursery trees is a natural extension of this passion, allowing me to not only provide high-quality plants for my designs but also contribute to the industry by supplying others with the resources they need to create exceptional landscapes. My long-term goal is to establish a landscaping and hardscaping business that integrates my experience in excavation, agriculture, and plant cultivation. I want to offer comprehensive services that include everything from designing outdoor living spaces to supplying sustainably grown nursery trees. By combining these elements, I can help create landscapes that are not only visually stunning but also environmentally responsible and built to last. The landscape industry represents a unique opportunity to blend my skills, experiences, and passions into a career that makes a lasting impact. I am excited to bring my background in excavation, tree fruit scouting, and agricultural management into this field, creating spaces that enhance communities and connect people to the beauty of nature.

My passion for agriculture began in childhood, despite not growing up on a farm. Stories from relatives about our family farm, which ceased operations 15 years before I was born, left a lasting impression on me. Throughout my school years, most of my dreams and aspirations centered on agriculture, and that passion has only grown. Now, as an Agribusiness Management Junior at Michigan State University, I have been exposed to diverse learning opportunities and career paths in the agricultural industry. My desire to deepen my knowledge and advance my career fuels my drive. Although I did not grow up farming, I worked in a related field, excavation. During high school, I joined my family’s excavating business and worked my way into a foreman role. There, I gained valuable experience with machinery, soil management, work ethic, personnel management, and accountability. Unfortunately, the business’s financial mismanagement led to its collapse, leaving me with unpaid wages and strained family relationships. While the experience was challenging, it shaped my resilience and reinforced my determination to pursue a career in agriculture. While working in excavation, I started a small row crop operation on 20 rented acres using older equipment. Six seasons later, I have enjoyed steady improvements in yields and production practices. What this experience ultimately has done for me is confirm my passion for agriculture. I enjoy working with the land, nurturing crops, and solving problems. When my excavation career ended, I decided it was time to pursue higher education. I began with a two-year Agricultural Industries Certificate Program, where I gained practical experience working at a local co-op as a crop scouting intern and custom applicator. At the co-op, I worked extensively with row crops and fruit crops like cherries and blueberries. I also conducted variety trials, including soybean research during my internship and an independent corn study during college. These experiences sparked my interest in agricultural research and implementing small tweaks that lead to significant results. After completing the certificate program, I decided to pursue an undergraduate degree in Agribusiness Management. This past season, I collaborated with a chemical manufacturer to conduct a fungicide trial on corn, further solidifying my passion for research. What I have found that I enjoy most is being involved in every step of crop production through every stage of growth, from planting to harvest. This has shaped my career goals to combine research and farming. I aspire to conduct trials on my own crops, using firsthand experience to evaluate the effectiveness of products and practices. Ultimately, I want to help farmers increase their yields, profitability, and sustainability. Currently, I am working for a large row crop farm as a truck driver, applicator, and general equipment operator, which has given me valuable insights into crop production practices. I look forward to an internship with Corteva conducting on-farm research next summer to further hone my agronomy skills and confirm which area of research I want to work in. Farming has been transformative for me, particularly during difficult times. When my excavation career ended, it negatively affected my mental health, and farming gave me purpose and hope. The process of growing crops lifted me out of a dark place and gave me a sense of fulfillment. As I move forward, I am grateful for the mentors and experiences that have shaped my journey. I aim to give back by mentoring future agricultural professionals and contributing to advancements in the industry. Agriculture not only restored my sense of purpose but also solidified my commitment to making a meaningful impact.