People

Personal: I was born and raised in Gillette, WY.  In 1991 I married my wife Leigha and have two children, Justin and Leslie born October of 1995 and July of 1997.  I enjoy bow, big game and bird hunting, fly fishing, any other kind of fishing, camping, backpacking with my son, boating, snow/water skiing, motocross, snowmobiling, working, all sporting events, sledding, snorkeling, coffee shops, horseshoes, NASCAR, mountain biking, frisbee golf, tennis, golf, landscaping and LIFE! 

Education: Graduated from Campbell County High School, Gillette WY (1987); 84 Lumber - Manager Training 5 week course (1988); Rapport Leadership Institute – Leadership Breakthrough Training (1995); Dale Carnegie - Leadership Training for Managers (2004); Dale Carnegie - Effective Communications and Human Relations (2006); extensive financial courses spanning over 20 years specializing in Profit and Loss, Balance and Ratio Statements; numerous Human Relation courses; numerous technical training seminars; numerous computer training courses; numerous business management courses.

Work history: From the age of 10 thru 13, I delivered newspapers for The Gillette News Record at a cool nickel a copy.  At the age of 12, I started my own business mowing lawns for clients along my paper route.  With the help of my grandfather, he loaned me $250.00 to buy my startup equipment and in short order, I was able to pay off my loan and then start buying my own schools clothes as we were very poor.  Between the ages of 13 and 18, I worked for Coldwell Banker Executive Reality (Maintenance), Big Don’s Pizza (Jeep Delivery), Cyclone Drilling (Sandblasting and painting), Cargill’s trailers and oilfield painting (welding and painting), Larry’s Inc. (heavy equipment operator and laborer), Arby’s (shift manager), and Pinkerton Security (security guard at Amax Eagle Butte Coal Mine).  In 1987, I accepted a position as Manager Trainee with 84 Lumber in Cheyenne, WY.  Later that year I relocated back to Gillette with 84 Lumber as co-manager, of which he was the youngest in this national company’s 50 year history.  In 1989, I accepted a position with Gillette Winnelson as an Industrial Outside Salesperson, serving the coal mine and power plant industry.  In 1996 I opened a new corporation in Rapid City, SD named Rapid City Winnelson.  Rapid City Winnelson is a wholesaler of plumbing and industrial supplies associated with the WinWholesale group of companies which has over 600 stores across the nation in 43 states.  My responsibilities include board of director member, President and a major stockholder of which I still serve.

Community Service Current: I presently serve on the Board of Directors of Rapid City Area Economic Development Partnership (2006-2011); Black Hills Home Builders Board of Directors (2006-2008); Black Hills Home Builders Spring and Fall Parade of Homes Committee, chairman (2008); Board of Directors of Pine Haven Estates Community Association, Inc.; 2-star ESGR corporate supporter for the Employer in Support of the South Dakota National Guards and Reserves.  Active supporter and participant of the Small Business Development Center in Rapid City; Ellsworth Air Force Base Honorary Commander (2007-2010); Rapid City Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Group member; Rapid City Downtown Revitalization/Leadership Rapid City Committee (2007-2009); Rapid City’s Summer Nights on the Plaza Public Relations Committee, chairman (2008); South Dakota Association of Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors sustaining member (2008); Cornerstone Rescue Mission server and Salvation Army volunteer.

Community Service Past: Westside Baptist Church Building Committee (1998-2003); Westside Baptist Church Youth Director (1998-2000); Westside Baptist Church Finance Committee, chairman (1998-2003); Black Hills Home Builders Spring and Fall Parade of Homes Committee (2002-2005); Black Hills Home Builders Economic Development Committee (2005-2007); Rapid City Wireless, chairman (2006-2007); Numerous years of coaching my kid’s sports including baseball, wrestling and football; Black Hills Home Builders Government Affairs Committee, chairman (2004-2006); South Canyon Baptist Church Finance, Building and Grounds, chairman (2003-2007).

Awards: Youngest co-manager in 84 Lumber’s 50 year history (1988); Salesman of the Year from Wyoming Mining Association (1992); Rapport’s Duel Sword award for top of class (1995); 2005 Supply House Times Wholesaler of the Year (nationally); Associate of the Year from Black Hills Home Builders (2006); Dale Carnegie pen award recipient (2006); Leadership Rapid City Graduate (2007). 

Belief Statements: Inner drive and tenacity best describe the way I approach life.  When I tire, I try not to let it show.  To me, there are four major factors that define ones outcome; vision, goals, attitude and passion.  I must know where I’m at and where we are going, the passion to achieve goals and tackle adversity must be a daily focus with persistence.  Attitude is a decision we make around every corner.  The acronym for the company I own is (WIN) best describes my customer service attitude, Whatever Is Necessary.  I strive in prioritize my time, putting God first, family next, and then interests and work to follow.  If we achieve all, but lose the time we could have spent with our families, what good is that?  As leaders, we must look for creative ways to motivate our people to reach for their potential and lead by example.  My opinion of leadership is the ability to influence and involve others to accomplish a common goal.  My style is to empower others and give them the tools to succeed and the opportunity to fail.  I am not a micromanager, nor do I enjoy following them.  Personal growth, whether it’s courses in your field that you complete after normal hours or helping with a committee is key to staying on the cutting edge for relationships and business.  I judge most things using growth and results to the end, and then develop a plan for the means.   Character really counts in a day of decaying morals and business practices.  Be honest and treat others as you like to be treated.  As servants of our community, together we can make Rapid City a better place.