It’s bold, warm, and hard to ignore, just like good design. Orange has always been my favorite color. It shows up in my work, my gear, and probably somewhere in my closet. It’s the kind of color that isn’t afraid to stand out, and I like that.

I’ve been playing drums seriously since 2006, but it started long before that with pots, pans, and anything else I could bang on. As I got older, the drum sets got bigger, louder, and a lot more orange. My current kit is an orange acrylic beauty inspired by John Bonham, built by Risen Drums (now Franklin Drums) right here in Minneapolis. Over the years, I’ve played in a handful of bands and loved every minute of it. There’s nothing like playing live music with good friends in front of an audience! Drumming’s where my creative spark started and honestly, it still shows up in how I work today.

Lately, I’ve been diving into leatherworking, specifically Sheridan-style tooling, and I’m hooked. There’s something about working with your hands, carving every detail, and watching a design take shape that feels both challenging and grounding. It’s become a creative outlet that balances well with the digital side of my work, and it reminds me that good things take time, patience, and a steady hand.

Some of my favorite memories start in the front seat of a road trip with my wife. Before we were even engaged, we took a two-week cross-country trip out to Washington. I proposed on the coast, and we finished the second half of the trip engaged. Ever since, road trips have been our thing—windows down, good music, and nowhere to be but together. Someday, we hope to make it to all 48 states.

I’m a bit of a coffee snob, and I’m okay with that. I love third-wave coffee and brew all kinds of it at home, usually with my trusty Chemex or espresso machine. Whether it’s a new roast or a new method, I’m always chasing that perfect cup. And if I’m in a new town, you can bet the first stop is the best local coffee shop I can find. It’s part ritual, part adventure, and almost always worth it.

Nothing clears my head like time outside. Whether I’m hiking a new trail, chasing upland birds with my dog, casting a line, or just throwing discs with friends, being in the wild slows me down in all the right ways. Give me a campfire, a quiet morning, and some fresh air, and I’m good. It’s where I recharge, get inspired, and feel most at home.

Goose is my German Short-haired Pointer and my go-to adventure buddy. Whether we’re out exploring or just running around the yard, he’s all heart and energy. He’s got a nose for the woods, a love for the chase, and a personality that keeps things interesting. I’m hoping to train him for upland bird hunting, so if you’ve got any good tips, I’m all ears. Around here, he’s part of the crew.

If there’s good BBQ, pizza, or a smashburger nearby, I’m there. I’m always on the hunt for the best bites, whether it’s a roadside pit stop or a hole-in-the-wall joint that knows what they’re doing. I’ve got a soft spot for wood smoke, crispy edges, and anything cooked with care. Good food brings people together, and that’s something I’ll always get behind.