I grew up working at my parents’ businesses, which have served Colorado for more than forty-five years and continue to do so today. From a young age, I learned the value of hard work, personal responsibility, and practical decision-making.

Although we were considered upper-middle-class, I still grew up in a double-wide trailer out in the country. My mom always made sure my sister and I had everything we needed, but she also taught us an important lesson: if we wanted something beyond the necessities, we needed to save our money and budget for it ourselves.

When I wanted to buy my first car, she told me that whatever I saved, she would match. Later, I found out that instead of putting the money I had saved toward the car, she had put it into my savings account. It was never about the money, but about teaching us how to save, budget, and work towards the things we wanted. Those lessons have stayed with me and shaped how I approach money, work, and personal responsibility to this day.

After graduating from a charter high school, I moved to New York City to attend Fordham University and earned a double major in just three years. Following college, I worked for the New York Yankees in legal and finance, where I gained valuable experience reviewing legal documents and learned how to analyze and forecast financial performance.

In 2012, my mother sadly passed away unexpectedly. Losing my mother was, and is, one of the most difficult things I’ve had to overcome. Feeling a responsibility to be closer to my family, I moved back home and began working for the family businesses, this time determined to preserve my mom’s legacy.

In 2013, I started my own business, and in 2017, I started a second business. I still own and operate both businesses today. Over the years, I began to see firsthand the impact that excessive government regulations can have on businesses. After becoming a legislator, I quickly realized that these burdens weren’t limited to just a few industries, they affected many businesses across many industries and sectors. 

A few years ago, I began actively engaging in politics because I saw firsthand what I believed was bad legislation and the impact it was having on this beautiful state. I began traveling to the Capitol and testifying against bills. Through experience and research, I learned how the legislative process works and what it takes for a bill to become law.

I also quickly realized that defeating legislation requires talking to all legislators, not just those who already agree with me. I began reaching out to legislators who were key to defeating bills and building those relationships. I learned that good communication and providing credible research can go a long way. 

As a legislator, I’ve applied this same concept. I speak with all of my colleagues regularly, regardless of political party, and share my concerns and perspectives. We all come from different walks of life, and sometimes we don’t see things the same way. I believe that listening to one another and having open, honest conversations is important, even when we disagree.

After the session ended, it was disclosed that I served on the committees that defeated the most bills. In a state that passes hundreds of new laws every year, I believe careful scrutiny of legislation and preventing unnecessary bills from advancing has been a big win for Colorado.

I’ve spent my life learning what it means to work hard, take responsibility, solve problems, and make every dollar count. I’ve built businesses, experienced challenges facing employers and families, and I’ve learned that meaningful change doesn’t happen by sitting on the sidelines.

I didn’t get involved in politics because I wanted a title. I got involved because I saw problems in our state that needed to be addressed. Since then, I’ve worked to understand the issues, listen to people on all sides, and find practical solutions that move Colorado forward.

Colorado families deserve a state where they can afford to live, work, raise a family, and build a future. I’m not waiting for change. I’m leading it.