WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
I am a born-and-raised Phoenician! I actually grew up a couple miles north of Phoenix Bible Church, though, my roots to the area stretch back even further: my dad’s childhood home is two blocks south of PBC, and he attending Light and Life Elementary School in the upstairs of the PBC church building! Currently, I reside in Northeast Phoenix with my wife Laila, our kids Adelaide (3) and Oliver (2 months) and our pitbull Popeye.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY
Laila and I met on a blind-ish date at The Yard in Central Phoenix. We moved quickly: getting engaged after six months and married four months later. We’ve now been married four years. Laila, along with being the best mom to our kids, is a realtor and Barre3 instructor. Last year, she spent a week backpacking through Banff in Alberta, Canada (she’s clearly the more interesting half of our marriage). We enjoy traveling together as often as we can. Since our wedding, we’ve been to Hawaii, Canada, Alaska, NYC, San Francisco, and we love visiting Denver and San Diego as often as possible.
Adelaide and Oliver are the best. We usually call them Addie and Ollie (because matching nicknames are adorable). Addie is hilarious and the most kind-hearted little girl I’ve ever met. She loves Frozen and Wreck It Ralph and loves to dress up in her princess dresses. Oliver has brought even more joy to our home, but he hasn’t done all that much yet as a two-month-old.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO FOR FUN?
I love food. So, I like to go out to eat for fun. Haha
I also like writing music. I’ve played in bands since high school and try to work on original music as often as possible. I’m currently working on a project with a couple friends of mine who produce hip hop music, so the sounds we’re creating are really fun. I also really enjoy sports and sports culture. If I’m driving, I’m probably listening to sports radio or a sports podcast or a game. Being a local Valley Boy, I’m a huge fan of the Diamondbacks, Cardinals and Coyotes but the Phoenix Suns have my heart forever (just please start winning again??).
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR WORK AT THE CHURCH?
Man, I’m such a fan of seeing people do something they didn’t think they could do. In music ministry, you get to see/hear people accomplish new things with their talents every week. In all of discipleship, our greatest joys should come from this! I love to see the people I work alongside become the best possible version of themselves all for the glory of God. Is there really anything better?