Family info:

Wife-Mary Sueper; Children-Madeline, Ben, Jack, Will, Sam, Olivia; Pets-Dog-Myles; Cats-Cat and Zuri

How long you’ve been in Columbus?

I have lived in Columbus for a total of 42+ years. I was born and raised in Columbus.  Moved to Omaha for School in 95 and came back to have and raise my family in 2000 and have lived here ever since.

What brought you here?

To be a part of a smaller community.  Living in Omaha was a great experience and gave me a chance to see the world from a different perspective and live a life in a city much bigger than I was raised in.  What I realized in that time is that making a life and a difference in a smaller community was important for my wife and I. Having an opportunity to be a part of a community that you get to know people and people get to know you was important to both of us, as sometimes being in a city does not give you as much opportunity. In turn we felt it was important for our children to grow up in a community where they are close with their family but also gave them opportunities that sometimes larger cities cannot offer by being in a town that is close nit and people still look out for one another.

Why do you believe in Habitat’s mission?

Why I believe in Habitat’s mission, is being born in raised in Columbus, there is a certain pride that comes with being a part of the Columbus community. I not only work in Columbus, raise my family in Columbus, but there is a certain amount of responsibility that comes with it, to ensure the next generation has the possibility to have the same experience that I did when I was growing up here in Columbus. One of those things is ensuring this and the next generation a safe, and affordable place to live and to call Home, not just a residence. These homes that are being built are providing an opportunity to people that work and live in our town that some may have never felt they would have the opportunity to own a home, or be in a family neighborhood, and with that opportunity they can grow and create memories for their family, but also for the next generation to carry on and cherish. Owning a home is a sense of accomplishment, a sense of ownership and a sense of responsibility, that in turn creates a sense of pride and togetherness.  Habitat’s mission of bringing affordable housing to our town is not just building a home.  Habitat For Humanity is building a better community, by working together with many volunteers for a common goal to give back to more than just ourselves, which in turn creates opportunities for others that may not have been possible without the help of the community and organizational support.

What creates a home in your mind? 

I grew up in a family home.  I used to think that consisted of a roof and walls with bonus spaces and areas to those that could afford it.  As I am older now and I am raising a family it is much bigger than that. Although I understand that shelter is important, a home is a place that is your own small personal area of this world, that gives you a sense of ownership, and an opportunity to create lasting memories for years to come.