Dan grew up on a dairy farm in the late sixties and seventies. Years of hard labor created the foundation for his values and the way he carries himself through life. Serving our country for twenty-three years with three tours in Afghanistan, Dan has learned to look out for others and care for his community in a deep way.
In the early 2000s, what is now Mountain Springs Villa, a resident owned community in Red Lodge was a disconnected and unorganized set of modular homes. The community had outdated infrastructure and needed extensive TLC. Dan moved into the park in 2007, just before the residents joined together in 2009 to purchase their land and form the first resident owned community in Montana.
Together with the support of ROC USA and the business coaching of NeighborWorks Montana, the residents began improving their community piece by piece starting with a major infrastructure project. Due to the infamous spring weather in Montana, the project was delayed, resulting in the removal of several older homes and the displacement of the residents for some time during the construction process. However, they knew this work was necessary and the community persevered together. Once complete, the residents enjoyed new roads, sidewalks, and infrastructure, boosting morale and pride in the community.
Dan has served his ROC by holding several different board positions over the years—operations manager, vice-president, president, and now secretary. “I fill the gaps where and when I see the need,” Dan explains. “It was so great to see such an increase in community involvement through the ownership process and our early years as a ROC. Now, nearly 17 years later, I’m motivated to help get new residents involved and encourage their sense of pride in living in such an amazing place.”
As one of seven original members of the ROC still living at Mountain Springs Villa, Dan is now a seasoned resident who has attended several ROC trainings as well as the NeighborWorks America Community Leadership Institute last fall. He remains energized by continually improving and beautifying the community, which is recognized by the Red Lodge community at large.
“It’s so nice to hear people recognize how our homes are clean and well-kept and how beautiful our trees are landscaping are. It feels good! You owe it to yourself, but also to your fellow neighbors to do what you can, where you can. Look where you are and be thankful for that. Get involved in your community and be the change. Ask the question and propose solutions. Go to meetings, share some things. Get involved because then the sky is the limit.”
