Are you big on grand drive speeches?
Love to hear a great grand drive speech, but I do not think it is absolutely necessary.  If you have something to share, it’s a great platform if there’s time and appropriate.   I personally will never be hired to be a motivational speaker, so let’s hope the evaluation of the stock makes up for a grand drive speech.

What is your dream job?
I’m doing it!

What is one thing you feel like is important that showman have gone away from? Why?
Remembering your job is not just to go through the motions of a good showman, but to get the most out of your animal. There are, without question, more skilled showmen now than ever.  However I only feel a few adjust speed, angles, head height etc per individual pig he/she is  showing.

Are you big on first impressions? If so, why?
Probably too big - I pretty much think first impression is everything.

Who got you involved in the livestock industry?
My grandfather (on my dads side) raised show cattle which I believe was the first introduction to the livestock industry.  My grandmother (on my moms side) gifted me my first gilt which would have started us raising pigs.  And my parents that were going to support whatever I had an interest in.  

Tell us about your family! 
I have two amazing kids- Kaden (14) & Kamlynn (11).   Kaden is somewhat of an introvert until you get him talking about college football or livestock shows; and Kamlynn has never met a stranger, is full of entrepreneurial ideas, and may be the best livestock evaluator of us all.

What is the first State Fair you judged? Indiana State Fair (2008)

What is the best State Fair Grand Drive you've been a part of?
California State Fair

What is your favorite state fair food?
Pineapple whip!

What is your favorite carnival ride?
Big ship!

What is your favorite fair concent/event to watch?
Not at a state fair but easily Kid Rock best concert been to during a show (Houston Rodeo)

What is the best carnival prize you have ever won?
People win those games??

Pick One: Ford, Dodge, GMC or Chevy? Chevy

If you could build a show barn of your dreams what are a few things you would include?
Can a pen cleaner just come with it....I’ll give up other trinkets.  

If you could only drink one thing the rest of your life other than water what would you choose?
Water

Do you have any superstitions? Show Day superstitions?
Not really superstitious but I try to be one of the first to the barn on show day....guess feel like if you start by winning at something might just end that way.

What's one piece of advice another fellow judge or mentor has given you about judging that has stuck with you?
Always approach every show with the thought that this is the most important show to a kid going to show to you today.  It may because it’s their first, their last, this is their favorite pig they’ve worked the hardest with, they saved all they could to come to this show, they had a family member pass away and they are showing for them, etc.   you never know .....you owe it to them to be fair, do things right and give everyone a shot.  

Who's one judge you would tell a kid interested in judging to go listen to their reasons?
As a collegiate judge, I watched videos of Nick Mauck giving sets (don’t tell him...might go to his head).   And as a show judge my favorite to listen to and learned more from as far as organized reasons and real descriptions is Jim McCoy.  

What's your showring pet peeve?
Not staying in the ring and showing while your pig is being talked on the mic.