I was born in West Point, Nebraska. My family has been involved in the feed business my whole life. We moved around the country before settling down in Atkinson, Nebraska. I first remember helping my dad as he managed P&P feedlot in Atkinson and then later when he started a feed business in Atkinson. I graduated from Briar Cliff College in 1984 with a degree in Business Administration. While attending Briar Cliff, I played baseball. I continued to play baseball until 1998. Since college, I have worked in the feed industry, most recently working with my dad and my brother, John. I joined J&R in March 2005.

I love sports and have become heavily involved in coaching youth sports. I am married with three daughters, Meaghan , Jacque , and Rachael. My wife, Laurie, is originally from Spencer, Iowa. We currently live in Salem, SD.