Background:
I was raised on my family’s grain farm just south of Greenville, Illinois, and attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness Economics. I now live back in my hometown with my wife, Alison, and our two sons, Hudson and Arlo.
Hobbies/Interests:
I love coaching my sons’ baseball team and am a huge fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. I also enjoy playing tennis and pickleball.
Employer:
Field Level Agriculture Inc.
Role/Position:
Co-owner, Farm Manager, Certified General Appraiser, Broker
How many years have you been in your profession?
12
What influenced you to choose your profession:
During high school and college, farmland values were seeing substantial increases, and I gained an appreciation of farmland as a multigenerational investment. I took a rural appraisal class at Southern Illinois University Carbondale with Phil Eberle, where I realized appraisal work could be a career for me. I later completed an internship with Dean Kyburz, Tom Courson, and Corey Zelhart at Busey Bank in Decatur, where I discovered that I enjoyed the variety of farm management, brokerage, and appraisal work. I also realized how those three areas complement one another, with skills developed in one area making me better in the others. I’m grateful they gave me my first opportunity in the profession after that internship.
What do you enjoy about your profession?
I enjoy helping families preserve and benefit from the legacy of farmland that has been passed from one generation to the next. Whether through income or the sale of property, farmland can continue providing for loved ones long after its owners have passed. I also enjoy helping families navigate generational transitions through the appraisal process.
What do you see for the future of your profession?
I see an increased reliance on technology while maintaining the continued importance of personal relationships.
What is a suggestion you would give to a young person who is considering a career in your profession?
Invest in relationships with clients, coworkers, and even competitor colleagues. Genuinely care about the people you interact with.
Favorite inspirational quote:
“Each man’s life touches so many other lives, and when he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole.” — Clarence, It’s a Wonderful Life
Professional Affiliations:
ASFMRA; Certified Illinois Assessing Officer (CIAO), Illinois Property Assessment Institute