Hey Everyone, meet Jared. He’s an incredible man who is a big part of the Roots family. Jared desires to bring people together and that’s what we strive to do here. He has recently moved to south with a full time position in Young Life. Before he headed out we sat down and asked him a few questions.
Sum yourself up in two sentences.
Most importantly I am a follower of Jesus and a Michigander at heart. I’m a person who embraces good community.
What is your favorite thing about Grand Rapids?
It’s honestly NOT because you’re interviewing me, I want to make that clear, but it’s Roots Brew Shop. My friends will verify that! This place is community based; the people here always bring me back. It’s unlike any other place in Grand Rapids. It is different and it feels different.
What is one of your biggest life accomplishments?
Probably going on Young Life staff. However, I don’t know if I would use the word accomplishment, but more faithfully following God’s will for my life. I was involved in Young Life a large part of my life; high school, college, and so on. It was something I always felt God calling me to but I didn’t really start listening to that call until about two or three years ago.
What is the biggest risk you’ve ever taken?
Saying yes to Jesus and what he’s called me to do within Young Life. I’m picking up and leaving everything I’ve ever known to follow His call on my life. It’s leaving what I know and entering the great unknown. Leaving here is the greatest risk I’ve ever taken.
What motivates you?
Good community and people supporting one another is something that always motivates me. We all have the capability to care for one another, but it’s whether we do or not. The community I’ve found in Young Life is a huge example of that. It’s what gets me up in the morning, why I visit Roots, why I’m part of Young Life, and why I’m willing to move 13 hours away. Good people get me up in the morning.
What is something about you that would surprise others?
I tell people I’m a twin and I get an immediate reaction. It’s funny because in high school my graduating class had about 5 or 6 sets of twins and fun fact we won ‘Hardest to tell apart’.
If you were a drink at Roots what would you be?
Black coffee – I’m consistent and reliable; people know what to expect when they encounter me. I bring people comfort when they need it and energy when they need a pick-me-up. It fits with me being a twin as well because there are different kinds of black coffee but when you look at them it’s hard to tell them apart.
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