So what are the important things to know about me… I’ve been blessed beyond measure in many areas of my life. I’ve been able to make a living and work in an industry that I dreamed of being a part of since I was a little kid. I am a Dad to seven great kids (and to be honest, I never saw myself having more than three or four, tops). I am blessed with a wife who loves me (even when I screw up), that takes great care of the house and kids while I am travelling and chasing my dreams, and pushes me to be the best me.
October 2019, Photo by Jess Rohlik
Some other random facts about me… I was a great water skier in college. I was also the President of Alpha Gamma Omega Fraternity when I was a student at Illinois State. I haven’t had a salad in nearly two decades. I graduated from UNC Charlotte in 1999 and 2001 with degrees in History and Political Science. I love me some pizza and Coke. Even though I love working in racing, I had the BEST JOB EVER for several summers (which would be the Waterfront Director at Camp Zion). I still have my 1988 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe, which now has over 300,000 miles on it.
Perhaps the most important thing that happened in my life was that I decided to become a follower of Jesus at a young age. I’m not perfect by any stretch of the imagination. I probably screw up more days than I get it right. But at the end of the day, I know that I am forgiven and saved by grace. Which leads me to one of my favorite sayings that is taken from a plaque Davey Allison had in his office… “Ain’t nothing gonna come up today that me and the Lord can’t handle.”
The Mares Family 