Q: Having lived in Jackson as long as you have, why have you chosen Wright Training to help with your health & fitness goals for the last 10 years?
A: First, Crystal has been a friend for a long time and, of course, I want to support her business. But that’s not the only reason – 10 years ago she was one of the only coaches in Jackson doing the intense group fitness programming. This was great for someone like me who wanted an intense workout, but didn’t have the time to make my own workouts. It’s also a really convenient location for my home and work!
Q: You’ve suffered some injuries in the past. How has Wright Training helped you get back at it?
A: There’s a continuum of healing when you suffer big injuries. That continuum in my mind includes PT and as you end PT, you need to find some transitional training that isn’t quite your 100% normal training. Crystal has always been great about modifying workouts, working with people on what’s best as far as level of strength/endurance, and not pushing too hard during injuries. Over the last decade she has been a part of my training and injury recovery because her progression can help you get back to 100% and beyond if you are willing to commit yourself to a year round training program.
Q: As the Teton County Commissioner, what has been the biggest struggle you have faced?
A: You can’t please everybody. Every issue has multiple sides and perspectives and it requires boiling down all the information to come up with a good decision for the community. As the saying goes, “If you’re not pissing everyone off, you’re not doing the job right.”
Q: On the flip side, what is your proudest accomplishment?
A: Professional: As a commissioner I was one of the lead advocates to push through a $20M federal BUILD grant to help enhance our community’s transportation needs. As soon as I saw this opportunity, I thought, “This is a great investment for the future of Teton County, I’m going to jump on board – let’s go for it!”
A: Personal: Having a strong family life and committing to recovering from major injuries.
Q: 2020 has turned into such an incredibly difficult year that you decided to seek re-election to help the community continue to thrive. What do you foresee changing in our near future?
A: While it has already been a struggle, the average worker is going to find it even more difficult to live in Jackson, because COVID-19 has caused people to want to move from urban areas. Over the last 6 months we’ve seen a 15% increase in the real estate market making it even harder to keep our workforce local. Ultimately, we would like to see 65% of our workforce living locally, but we’re not there. My goal for the next four years is to create and support housing opportunities that push toward that 65% number so we can remain as more of a community instead of shifting to a resort where a majority of the workforce commutes to their jobs.
Q: Any other thoughts, advice, or words of wisdom?
A: Exercise. For me, fitness is important not just for my physical health, but it also allows me to calm my mind. I go to the gym to escape the day to day stresses by running my body through an intense workout which allows me to decompress and make sound decisions.
