I grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and had always followed the University of Michigan football team, the Wolverines. When I left Michigan to move to Oregon my best friend would repeat “a Duck” over and over again, because I was no longer going to be a Wolverine, but a Duck. Well, that was in 1994 and the University of Oregon Ducks went to the Rose Bowl—not the Wolverines—and played Penn State. Since I’ve lived here in Eugene, we are now 2 and 0 against Michigan. All my best friend in Ann Arbor can say now is that he is glad I didn’t move to East Lansing!

I come from a large Catholic family, the sixth youngest of seven brothers and sisters. We all have our father’s sense of humor and ambition to push ourselves to be the best we can be. We also received a good dose of love and commitment to family and friends from our mother, Rosa. My son E.J., who also works here, recently asked me what I liked best about my job. My answer to him was the interaction with the great people I have met over the years, both personally and professionally, through this business. I think Volvo and Subaru owners are the friendliest, most honest and real people around. I get a real kick out of spending time with the friends, both at work and outside of work, that I’ve acquired through owning and operating Swedish Engineering.

I strive to have our work environment be an enjoyable one for everybody, making sure that every one is glad to be here. It helps that I have surrounded myself with true professionals that take a lot of pride in what they do and have a true passion for their trade. Since we spend more waking hours at work than we do at home, it’s important to me that I maintain a great working environment.

I have a loving and caring wife, Diana, and a house full of assorted critters, Max, our feline offspring, and Oscar, our bionic Dachshund. We live in Eugene and there never seems to be an end to the projects that need to be done around the house, and I love it.

My oldest son, Drew, mans the counter in the Ann Arbor store, and like his dad, he has real knack for being a true people person. He has given me three lovely grandkids, Payden, Hailee, and Domanyk.