I am a resident of Louisville, Ohio and I pilot the Windtrek balloon. This is an 80,000 cu. ft. Avian Skyhawk aircraft. I started my interest in hot air ballooning in 1998 after a sponsor ride at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Hot Air Balloon Classic in Canton, Ohio.  Within 10 minutes of this ride I knew ballooning was in my blood.  The first ride was free, the rest is history! 

Obtaining my private license in 1999 and my commercial rating in 2001, I have been a part of the Northeast Ohio Balloon Pilot’s Association (NOBPA) in an active capacity.  I was NOBPA President in 2001 and earned Rookie of the Year in the association that same year for my high scores in competitive ballooning.  I continue to fly competitively in the five contiguous state region around Ohio.

I am also the Event Director (Balloonmeister) for the Ashland Balloonfest and the New York State Festival of Balloons which invites 55 balloons from a five state area around the Finger Lakes Region of Western New York state.  I am a member of The Balloon Federation of America (BFA) and am supported by my crew chief and spouse Deb, and son Josh.