CURRENT MISSION

Live in the moment by finding what makes you happy and, most importantly, being willing to do it!

ABOUT ME

After graduating from Willamette University in 2011 I moved to Quito, Ecuador, where I opened up two successful businesses, a hostel and a brewery. I was living and working down there for three and a half years before I decided that I was no longer happy there, so I sold my share of the businesses to my partners and moved to Minnesota to become an outdoor educator. Things I love and play: sports, card games, music. Things I love and listen to: people, music, water, nature. Things I love and consume: food, coffee, and beer. Although mostly coffee.

PHILOSOPHY

Do what you want, what you love, and what you're afraid to do.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

While in Quito I hosted some travelers in my place, though for the most part I haven't had the chance to host as much as I'd like. I have stayed with some wonderful people, and everyone does a great job in contributing to Couchsurfing in their own unique ways. These days I don't have a permanent residence that would allow me to host, so I'm on the traveling side of the coin, but one day I will be able to give back all that I've gotten from so many wonderful people.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

Stayed with people in Vietnam and Wyoming, and hosted some wonderful travelers in Quito.

Interests

Sports, games, coffee, people, culture, animals, music, randomness, deep conversations, meaningless conversations, deep meaningless conversations.

• animals
• culture
• dining
• beer
• coffee
• running
• flying
• boating
• traveling
• music
• outdoor activities
• sports
• teaching
• entrepreneurship
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

I play guitar, piano, cello, can sing a bit and can hold a beat. I don't believe in anyone using the excuse of "I can't sing." Everyone can sing, and if you're brave enough to sing a song for people, I hope that they'll appreciate your courage and trust, because it takes a lot of guts to put yourself out there.

I like movies, but usually only with other people. Good for discussions. Also, don't go to horror movies and complain about how bad they were. Of course they were bad. Just try to enjoy the ride.

I read less than I should, but have a book list. If you have any books you highly recommend, please let me know and I'll add it to my list.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Tam Coc in Cambodia. Two things to do: 1) take a boat tour through the three caves (which is what Tam Coc means) and 2) right of the boat dock, you can find a small trail behind some houses that lead out to a temple called Thai Vi. It's just a local area where people live and farm, surrounded by the most beautiful mountains I've ever seen. Dan Meloy stamp of recommendation.

Teach, Learn, Share

Mosquitos can fly 5 mph (8 km/h). Run faster than that and you'll never get bitten.

What I Can Share with Hosts

My experiences as an entrepreneur and a traveler.

Countries I’ve Visited

Cambodia, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, France, Italy, Laos, Malaysia, Netherlands, Spain, Thailand, United Kingdom, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Ecuador, Thailand, United States