Well, what would you like to know?  I'm in my early 20's and I'm trying to live my life to the fullest, currently anyhow. I am definitely an 'outdoor guy' and would always rather be outside than inside looking out. I love to mountain bike, and I am always looking for new places to ride. Hiking and camping rank right up there, and living in State College PA offers me a multitude of places to do just that.

I also like shooting my guns. Granted, I'm not a hunter and quite frankly I don't think I ever will be. Although I'd like to try it, it's not at the top of my list. I am a good shot so don't tick me off (just kidding mom). I like to drive and operate anything with some type of motor attached to it; construction equipment mostly and anything that is larger than life. Finally, I too drive a large truck that was bestowed upon me by my older brother. I love it and I will never drive anything smaller despite this fuel nonsense.

I am one of those people who allow work to consume me. Long hours, hard work, and limited feeding times are all part of my daily routine. Really, I just enjoy making money and planning on how to spend it. That's planning not blowing it away on useless crap. Aside from making money I do really enjoy my line of work and I plan to make the best of it. I don't think I will ever leave Pennsylvania--at least not until I retire (age 52) and then I will probably move elsewhere.

I love the snow and I wish we got more of it--even though I haven't skied in over three years. That's another thing to add to the list I guess.  I've run with the Forks Township Fire Department since I was 15 and continue to this day. So in a nutshell, I'm a kind of a big deal...

Anyone who knows me has probably heard the story of how I used to cut my neighbors grass when I was 10 years old. Who knew that cutting grass would spearhead my future career plans? Who knew either that I would go to college for landscape contracting?

I run ClearVALLEY® Landscape, which formerly was ClearCut® lawn care. I realized that although cutting grass has its benefits, the construction aspect of this industry is far more rewarding. We still operate in a maintenance capacity and try to juggle the two. The work load and business handling is shared with my father, who has supported me from day one. The business is small, which has been convenient given my current academic situation, but plans to expand are in the near future.

Over the years I have worked for and interned with a tree nursery (Shady Business Tree Nursery) and gained a tremendous amount of knowledge. This knowledge transitioned my focus to starting a nursery of my own. Although, our nursery is small, my plan is to continue to grow it to function as both a stock plant warehouse for my landscape firm as well as a Christmas tree farm.

I have also interned with a design/build firm (Atlantic Ridge Landscape) where I received additional construction experience. Properly installing pavers, retaining walls, ponds, and other elements are now honed skills for my portfolio.

One of the greatest challenges for this business has been time management. Presently, I am finishing up my senior year of college and I will finally be able to focus primarily on growing my business rather than worrying about how to handle the work load. The future looks promising…at least in my dreams it does.

I never thought I would say this but I’m going to be sad to graduate. At an early age, oh probably around 6 or so, school was no longer fun. No more playing with toys and going out for recess—that was all gone. Instead they kept me inside for hours a day and made me do work that I didn’t want to do. At least they gave me windows so I could see where I wanted to be.

By the time I was finished with high school I was so ready to just be done. The first year of college seemed to be an extension of high school in a way. Most of the classes seemed to repeat, and I was just along for the ride.

I wanted to go to Penn State because well, it’s Penn State. I mean do you really need a good reason, or any reason for that matter? Presently, I’m finishing up my senior year in Landscape Contracting. It’s pretty cool that there is actually a degree for landscape contracting. The name of this major however, evokes the misconception that it is quite simple. That's what I thought when I selected it. "Landscape contracting, how hard can that be?' Consequently, it is far more complex then the name would suggest. It should be called Landscape Engineering, but that's a horse of a different color. Basically, this program has the elements of engineering, horticulture, architecture, chemistry, and business.

I live off campus in an apartment with three other guys who I met along the way. This past year or so has been the most memorable in my life. I love everything about this college town. The football games are completely chaotic , but the most fun you’ll ever have. Tailgating…well we all know how that goes so it needs no explanation. The people are great, the area is beautiful, and the night life couldn't be more entertaining. I am definitely going to miss this place.

WE ARE!