Growing up, I never would have thought that I would be where I am today. At the age of 16, I was asked to leave home and from that moment on, I was on my own. I was fortunate enough to meet a few people who made a real impression on my life and showed me who I could become. These mentors, and the opportunities they provided me, helped shape my future.

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Now, as the founder and director of the Crush Basketball Club, I am grateful for the chance to provide opportunities for young athletes to grow and develop. I started Crush in 2015 after I spoke with a local youth basketball program about the quality of girls basketball and was told, "They're just girls, just go play." That didn't sit well with me.

I wanted to create a program that would not only provide high-quality basketball training but also empower young athletes, especially girls, to believe in themselves and their abilities. I wanted to create a program that would show them that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.

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But Crush is not just about basketball. It's about developing character and leadership skills that will serve our athletes well beyond their playing days. We focus on building a strong team culture and creating a positive and inclusive environment where everyone can feel supported and valued.

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For me, Crush is not just a job, it's a passion. It's a way for me to give back to the community that gave me so much. In addition to Crush, I am also the commissioner for the state of Wisconsin for Under the Lights Flag Football, which is the premier flag football experience in Wisconsin, and I own a successful landscape business, Acme Household Services.

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I am a father to eight children and I am blessed to be married to my wife, Melanie Hawk. Together, we have built a life focused on family, community, and service. I am grateful for the opportunities and mentors that have shaped me into the person I am today, and I hope to continue paying it forward through my work with Crush and other endeavors.