About

I grew up in Nowthen, MN, and attended K-12 in the Elk River Area School District. I have lived in Livonia Township for 23 years and currently reside with my wife, Kari (Married in 2002). Our family is our greatest joy, with our daughter Abigail (20) graduated from Zimmerman High School in 2022, Son Colton (16) attends ZHS, and Daughter Isabella (11) attends Zimmerman Middle School. Being a father is a role I cherish, and it has shaped my life in profound ways. As a father you want the best for your kids, you look through a different lens as you start to raise them. I am a firm believer that those that have the ability have the responsibility. In wanting the best for my kids, this meant not only getting involved where I could; but also being a voice of reason for my kids and others as well.

I began Steinbrecher Companies, Inc. (SCI) in 1997 at the age of 16. I worked primarily within the construction industry. SCI began as a roll-off and excavating company. For the last 27 years, I have expanded from roll-offs and excavating into the septic industry. SCI works with all types of septic systems, focusing on systems that fit the client’s needs correctly.

I am a current member of MOWA (Minnesota Onsite Wastewater Association). SCI has been a member of the Better Business Bureau Member since June 2005, and a member of the Elk River Connections Biz to Biz.

In 2005, Kari and I attended our first Truth and Taxation meeting, a crucial event where we learned about the district taxes on our property tax report. At this meeting, we met the business director and engaged in a comprehensive discussion about the district’s financial matters.

That same year, we joined the District’s Legislative Action Team (LAT) and actively advocated for our district at the Capital. I learned a lot about the funding formula and how legislation got approved. I also learned about how little control a school district has over much of its money. Most of the dollars given from the state and federal levels are mandated or earmarked on how somebody can use them. After a couple of years on the LAT, I knew I wanted to be more involved at the School Board level. In 2010, I decided to run for the open seat in the North. Then, in January 2011, I began my first year on the board. I have worked hard advocating for this district ever since.

In 2016, we purchased a farm in Livonia Township. We wanted to give our three kids the opportunity to learn how to provide for themselves by growing and raising their own food and allow them the opportunity to learn about hard work. In the following years, we spent our free time cleaning the pastures, fields, and buildings and bringing the farm new life. In 2019, our first set of steers were introduced to the farm, officially kicking off the beef cattle and wholesome food endeavor. 2020 marked the first year of tapping Maple trees, allowing us to produce Pure Maple Syrup on the farm. 2020 also saw the beginning of their hay operations. When I’m not working for the business or the farm, I find solace and joy in hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and boating, activities that keep me connected to nature and my family as well as being an assistant coach for the Zimmerman Thunder Archery.