I was raised in Manhattan, KS, and attended K-State, earning a degree in Animal Science. In 1986, I found myself moving to Hutchinson to start a job managing a cattle ranch. After a couple of years, I became disillusioned with being a hired hand and went back to school at HHC, earning a degree in Computer Aided Design, in which field I could not find a job. So I started Akins Woodworking Shop and began making furniture. About the same time, my wife and I joined Trinity and began an almost 10-year term as High School youth sponsors.

In 2001, I accepted a position as Director of Children & Youth Ministries at a local Presbyterian Church and was in ministry there until 2017. Then I began working at a Hutchinson Elementary School in a 4th-6th grade Special Ed room as a Para. In 2023, I found myself back at Trinity serving as Director of Media & Youth. Starting June 1, 2026, I am stepping into the role of Director of Creative Arts in which I will be focusing all my time on media (creation & social) as well as marketing.

I am married to Beth, an amazing Social Worker, and we have two boys, Wyatt & Colby, and a dog named Boog. Wyatt graduated from K-State and is married to my sweet daughter-in-law, Brooke. They reside in Manhattan. Colby graduated from K-State with a Masters in Athletic Training and is at Cowley County Community College.

I love God, my family, hanging out with and helping young people navigate life, making things (all kinds of things), hanging out in my woodshop, tacos, working on my 100-year-old house and yard, coffee, dragons, hoodies on cool days and best friends!