Age: 56. Birthplace: Spencer, IA. Profession: Education technology. Organization: StrongMind, Primavera Online. Title: CEO & Founder. Alma mater: Brigham Young University. Languages spoken: English, Spanish.
Current project: Generative learning System (Ai powered learning platform). Recent recognition: Podcast interview. Hobbies: Reading, traveling, health and wellness, hiking, weight lifting, biohacking, cooking. Recent travel or adventure: Peru.
Personality profile: Thinking, creative, innovative, determined, humble, strategic, decisive. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Loyal. Moral compass: Christian values and ethos. How do you define a perfect friendship? Unconditional and grounded. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Mission over ego. What is your greatest joy? Family. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Travel. What is your go-to workout? Weight lifting.
What was your first paying job? Baling hay. What was your favorite college course? Dialectology. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My wife. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Lead, follow, or get the hell outta the way (my dad). What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? Artificial intelligence. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Podcasts, listening to others share their stories. What company or organization do you most admire? Tesla.
What is your big idea?
Generative Learning System.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Moving education beyond a one-size-fits-all model to using technology (Ai) to restore curiosity, agency and connection, so learning meets students where they are at. What change would you like to see in the world? Stay curious. Build with intention.
As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A fighter pilot. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? With the people I love most, unhurried and undistracted. What advice would you give your younger self? Trust your instincts sooner, take fewer detours trying to please people who aren’t meant to come with you, and don’t rush past the season you’re in. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? None. Each one shaped how I think, lead, and build today. Without those moments, I wouldn’t have the clarity or conviction I have now.
Personal mission: To build things that improve humanity. Personal motto: Do the right thing, always.
