My commitment to the environment didn’t begin with politics, it has been woven into my career, my business, and my family life for decades. While working at Environmental Lighting Concepts, I helped deliver projects that saved an estimated 12 million kilowatt-hours of electricity every single year. That’s the environmental equivalent of taking 1,900 cars off the road or preventing 920,000 gallons of gasoline from being burned annually. Some people talk about environmental issues; I’ve delivered measurable results and reduced our state’s carbon footprint in real and meaningful ways.

That same dedication continued when I started my cleaning company. Long before “green products” became trendy, we used all-natural cleaning solutions for every job. By the time I sold the business, we were performing over 14,000 cleanings annually, bringing environmentally responsible practices to thousands of Minnesota homes. Even in my work in private equity, the firm I was an analyst at invested in renewable energy projects, because I have always believed sustainability and smart business go hand in hand.

Environmental stewardship is also part of my family’s legacy. My father played a role in the formation and oversight of Voyageurs National Park, one of Minnesota’s most treasured natural landmarks. His leadership helped shape one of the greatest examples of conservation and public access to natural
beauty in our state’s history. That legacy profoundly influenced me and deepened my belief that protecting Minnesota’s environment is a responsibility, not an option.

My own family carries that passion forward. My son has hiked 99% of all the state parks in Minnesota, and my wife is an avid outdoors woman who loves to camp, hike, paddle, and explore every corner of our state. Minnesota’s lakes, forests, trails, and open spaces are not political talking points to us, they’re a way of life.

This is why, as Governor, I will make protecting our natural resources a priority, not just for today, but for generations of Minnesotans to come. Our environment is one of our greatest treasures. I’ve spent my life walking the walk, not just talking the talk, and I will bring that same authenticity, passion, and results-driven leadership to the Governor’s office.

A clean, healthy, and vibrant Minnesota isn’t a partisan issue, it’s our shared legacy. And I intend to protect it.