Where are you from and how long have you lived in town? What brought you to the area?
I am from the northern Chicago suburbs, I graduated from Grant High School, and now live in Libertyville. I met my wife on vacation in the south, so I joke with her that she was an expensive souvenir. We lived in Memphis for several years before returning to IL. We have been in Libertyville, since 2011.
Do you have child(ren)? Age(s)
We have two kids, Hunter who is a Junior at LHS, and Sydney who is a Sophomore at LHS. Both kids are involved in multiple sports, football, swimming, basketball, and water polo. Go Wildcats! My daughter just participated in the National Trap Shooting tournament this summer in Ohio. We also have 2 fur babies, Storm and Shiloh that like to join us on our nightly walks.
What are your favorite things to do in the area with and without your kids? Family friendly restaurant? Date night?
We enjoy our Fairhaven bowling league night with our friends and neighbors (before Covid). Our favorite date night spots are Viet Taste and Dos Amigos. It’s a little embarrassing, because they know us and what we order. Honestly, we both have busy jobs and busier kids, so downtime is rare. Our forest preserves are so nice, that is where we like to spend our quiet time just walking and catching up with each other.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor or in the corporate world? Please share!
We own the local Florist, Petal Peddlers, by the Jewel in Libertyville. We offer same day local delivery of floral arrangements, live plants, balloons, teddy bears and chocolates. We also help send orders to other areas’ local florist for our customers’ convenience. The store has a retail space that we welcome you to visit. We also have a few other items in the store for pick up. We have been so fortunate, that our friends and family have been huge cheerleaders and supporters. With our kids in Libertyville schools, we are often out and about in the community. Both kids work at the shop and are learning the business.
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
Libertyville is an amazing family community. Our family feels quite lucky to have both a business and a home here. The community here really tries to support local families and businesses. We saw this when a local Libertyville family we know opened the local Bike shop, Lifestyle Cycle.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I gave up my career to be a stay at home dad for many years before taking on this new adventure. This allowed my wife, who has a corporate position, to travel when the kids were younger. It was the best and hardest job I have ever had. As a side note, stay at home parents are terribly underpaid.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from another Dad?
When it comes to raising your babies, enjoy it while you can, because they grow up fast. WAY TOO FAST.
What are your favorite places to travel near and far and why?
We love to head to my wife’s hometown of Memphis, TN and our favorite exotic place is Turks and Caicos.
Which podcasts and/or TED Talks inspire you the most?
I opt for music, when I am not overridden by my teen’s music!
Tell me about your favorite book/s. I love receiving fiction and non-fiction recommendations!
This is a tough one, but my favorites are Stephen King books and the Harry Potter series. My wife and I listened to those on audio together during road trips. They bring back great memories.
What is next for you?
Our goal is to make sure that we keep a nice strong business and we are able to contribute to the Libertyville community. Our hope is to pass our business legacy down to our kids.