Where did you grow up and what was your childhood like? Did you have any particular experiences/stories that shaped your adult life?

I grew up in a small town in central Wisconsin. There were a lot of farmers in the community and I think that type of work ethic stuck with me to this day. I work every day but I’m doing something I’m passionate about, so I love it.

What is something you wish you would’ve realized earlier in your life?

When someone is mean or critical of you it says more about them than it does about you. Also to learn from your mistakes and not dwell on them. Use them as a tool to be better. ☺

What are bad recommendations you hear in your profession or area of expertise?

In nutrition, bad advice is everywhere. Most of the mainstream beliefs are wrong. Healthy whole grains, low fat, vegetarian diets, red meat is harmful to health and the environment. All are the opposite of what the truth, the science, and the evolutionary evidence show.

Tell me about one of the darker periods you’ve experienced in life. How you came out of it and what you learned from it?

I lost my job in the 2007 economic recession. It was one of the hardest times of my life not only financially, but emotionally. I had a job all my life from 13 years old up to that point. We also were in the middle of adopting our sons from Ethiopia and that had to be put on hold. We lost everything including our home. But that was also the time my wife Maria started writing books and our new life blossomed from there. So, it was a hard change, but a good one that we learned a lot from in the long term and were able to start a whole new business form as a result.

What is one thing that you do that you feel has been the biggest contributor to your success so far?

Hard work ethic. I have always put 100% into everything I do and that has been even more important in running our own business. When running a small business, how much time you put into is a big factor for how successful it can be. There are no days off for us, not even on my birthday which is Christmas day. People still need help and support. ☺

What is your morning routine?

I wake up and jump right on the computer to catch up on client questions and support. Then when my sons are awake, I start home school with them while occasionally doing some more work as well.

What habit or behavior that you have pursued for a few years has most improved your life?

Being able to work from home has been a huge blessing. I used to commute an hour each way to work and now I can spend that time working. Also, being ketogenic has been a huge factor in improving mental clarity and focus allowing me to work more efficiently.

What are your strategies for being productive and using your time most efficiently?

Being ketogenic is a huge factor to help me focus and get more work done in less time. Also, multi-tasking whenever possible to get incremental work done before it piles up. With a small business that is important as there are constant needs for support from clients.

What book(s) have influenced your life the most? Why?

Probably The Art and Science of Low Carb Performance by Dr. Volek and Dr. Phinney. It was the first book to open my eyes to Keto and how it can be a tool for performance and general health.

Do you have any quotes you live by or think of often?

“If At First the Idea Is Not Absurd, Then There Is No Hope for It” – Albert Einstein
This quote really resonates with me, especially in the Keto space. So many people are threatened by Ketogenic diets and ridicule them because they don’t understand them or the power they have to heal the body.