Born and nurtured within the heartland of Iowa, a region that would later serve as the foundation of his comedic roots. As a stand-up comedian, he flourished during the late 1980s and 1990s, honing his craft and perfecting his wit. The early 1990s saw him make the bold decision to transplant himself to the vibrant city of Los Angeles, where he would soon find himself landing a multitude of television guest spots, as well as securing a plethora of national commercials.
It was during this period that he dedicated himself to the art of improv comedy, enrolling in the esteemed programs of Second City LA, Acme, and The Empty Stage Theater. It was here that he had the privilege of collaborating with the talented Kristen Wiig, a future Saturday Night Live (SNL) star, as part of the Perks Comedy Group.