I grew up in Muldrow, Oklahoma, a small, family-oriented town rich in Oklahoma history. Located right on the Arkansas border, I spent a lot of time just across the line in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Life in eastern Oklahoma didn’t offer a ton of entertainment, so I found myself outdoors often—kayaking, fishing, and spending time at the lake. Growing up in a rural town like Muldrow gave me a deep appreciation for nature that I probably wouldn’t have developed in a big city. My biggest influences growing up were my parents, who always encouraged me to be the best man I could be. One of the most valuable lessons they taught me was that hard work always pays off. I went on to attend the University of Central Oklahoma, where I studied Kinesiology. During college, I was involved in the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity and also participated in Student Government.