So, you’re a golfer?

Yes, in 2018 a friend talked me into it, and I’ve played pretty consistently at least once a week since then and have a 10 handicap. There’s a group from BEMC, including Will from Dispatch, that I play with regularly, as well as another friend group. River’s Edge is my favorite local course, but Will and I took a trip to Tobacco Road Golf Club in Sanford and that was amazing. One of the top 50 courses in the country, the architect was Mike Strantz, notorious for making courses that aren’t traditional. Created from an old sand pit, there’s lots of crevasses and cavities, elevation and blind spots. It was great!

What else do you like to do when you’re not working?

Spend time with my girlfriend Shelby, we’ve been seeing each other since 2020. She was a special education teacher at New Hanover High, and her passion has been caring for the special needs community since she was young. She loves helping someone achieve a goal. For example, if they can’t speak, Shelby will teach them how to use a communication device or sign language until they can communicate. She says she enjoys them so much because they are pure of heart.

And what are favorite activities for the two of you?

Going on trips! We went to Manteo just before tourist season, and Charleston and Savannah are favorites as are the Outer Banks. Shelby has quite a list for the future though, ranging from Machu Pichu and Japan to Australia and Europe. I’m building a house now, which keeps us busy, and I love to cook. I’m kind of known for my grandma’s corn dip, which is great for parties and ball games, and my chicken and dumplings as well.