Why did you choose to go into dentistry? What was your motivation?

"I grew up in a small rural town in Southern Alberta, Canada. As a youth I had various farm labor jobs like cleaning manure from stalls and bailing hay that helped me realize that school was important! I knew I wanted to go to college but didn't know what I wanted to study. One summer a cousin visited us who had just graduated from college and was going into Dentistry. We talked and he convinced me that I should give Dentistry a try. From that point on, my sights were set and I made a goal to become a Dentist."

What event do you remember most fondly from high school?

"The time I met my beautiful wife Nicole, we were high school sweethearts and she has been my support and anchor throughout my life and career."

What spectator activities do you enjoy attending or watching?

"I am a huge sports fan. I love watching Football and Baseball but I follow all of our local sports teams. I'm a die-hard Diamondbacks fan and love the Cardinals."

What is your favorite aspect of dentistry?

"I really enjoy being able to make people feel good about themselves and giving them confidence in their smile... also being able to develop friendships with my patients and team members."

What do you do in your free time?

"On most weekends you'll find me doing outdoor activities with my wife and kids. We enjoy landscaping, paddle boarding, and hiking in the Superstitions... when it's not too hot. I've enjoyed coaching baseball teams for my son and playing tennis and golf with my two daughters."

Where is your favorite vacation spot?

"Our family loves Maui, we've been a number of times and love spending time on the beach and exploring the Island."

What is one phrase your patients would use to describe you?

"Easy going and understanding... I want patients to feel comfortable in our office knowing that I understand where they are coming from and what their goals are in regards to their oral health."

What are some things people might not know about you?

"I love cooking/grilling/smoking meat on my smoker, my specialty is Thanksgiving Turkey...ask me and I'll tell you the secret. I also play ice hockey on a team of old guys in an adult recreational hockey league."

What was your favorite part time job in college?

"I was a tour guide for a Japanese tour company in Banff National Park in Canada... I still speak a little Japanese."

What is your greatest academic accomplishment?

"I received an ‘A’ in my freshman calculus class in college… by some miracle."