What is your story?

I grew up in Spencer, NE, working with my dad at our family's feedlot. Over the years, I developed a passion for the family business and the cattle industry. Seeing the successful operation that my great-grandfather built has not only inspired me to continue it, but to expand and improve the operation in the future. I am interested in how I can integrate new technology into our operation in order to make the business more efficient. I graduated from West Boyd High School, where I was active in FFA, sports, and other activities. My FFA experience helped cultivate my passion for the industry, develop leadership skills, and make me realize that I need to set my goals high. During my experience here at the University, I've learned the value of knowing people. The Engler program has helped me build my network and equipped me in every way to continue my journey as an entrepreneur.

What is your business?

I plan to develop my family's beef backgrounding and feedlot operation. I am also in the process of developing some cattle record keeping software. It will be designed for the small cattle feeder, and will utilize mobile devices for data entry.

Who is your entrepreneurial inspiration OR biggest hero?

I would have to say that my dad is both my biggest entrepreneurial inspiration and my biggest hero. He has taught me almost everything I know about the cattle business, and he has shown me what it looks like to lead fearlessly, with the goal of helping others first.

What advice would you give to a student starting their entrepreneurial journey?

Find your passion and run with it. You might trip, slow down, or change courses a couple times, but never stop pursuing your passion.