Trevor was nominated for the People of Portage County Hidden Hero award because he demonstrates a strong determination and a 'can do' attitude. When life gave him lemons he made lemon aid and beefed up his bike. Trevor had lost his job as the program manager for the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Adventure Tours (mid-pandemic), he launched Curbwise LLC,a year-round bicycle delivery service.
Originally from the small town of Wonder Lake, IL, Trevor moved to Stevens Point 1998. He decided to attend UWSP due to its long history and reputation for natural resources education.
Growing up in Wonder Lake, he was very close to the water. Only a two-block walk down a sloped road, the lake was within reach every day. As a child he used to do everything at the lake (and nearby connecting creek); swim, fish, boat, throw rocks, make friends, catch frogs, learn about the ecosystem, play/invent games, etc. It was the water that drew him towards a path of sustainable thinking, a path of learning while respecting our (humanity's) place in ecology.
The lessons/history and connectivity of our planet, he learned mostly in college. It was sophomore year and in a Natural Resources course that he began to appreciate the science behind climate change. He would never forget the words of Dr. Eric Anderson spoke, "Now that you know this information, it is your responsibility to act." These words inspired his new lifestyle. He knew, over the following years, he had to act. To this day, this is still his driving force.
What past experiences have brought you to where you are today?
These formative years at UWSP created a sense of urgency for me, a new way of understanding how humans are connected to each other and all living things. In tandem (pun intended), not only did I grow up riding a bike, I bought my first adult bike in college. Year-round bicycling just became a normal part of my life. It saved money, reduced my carbon footprint, created more random interactions with strangers/neighbors/friends, allowed me to smell the lilacs in the spring, and was just plain fun! Fast forward a number of years living in Stevens Point - performing in a band (Green Tea), working a variety of jobs, landing back at UWSP to work, starting a family, getting appointed to the Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee (for bicycle & pedestrian advocacy) and the proceeding Commission, and then COVID-19 struck...
What did you overcome to be here now?
In July of 2020, my position was cut from the University due to COVID-19. I was the manager of a travel program called UWSP Adventure Tours for nearly 10 years. As we all know, the pandemic crushed the travel industry and our program was no exception. This was the catalyst to take the leap into creating a new biz, a biz that greatly aligns with my values, utilizes well my skill sets, and allows for the natural fun that goes with riding a bicycle. I started curbwise LLC (www.gocurbwise.com) in Sept. 2020 and it has been growing ever since!
Trevor's Favorite's:
Song: Don't Stop 'Til you Get Enough by Michael Jackson
Food: Falafel
Book: 1984 By George Orwell
Quote: "If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito." - The Dalai Lama
What makes you happy?
A number of things make me happy: hugs from my kids and wife, gardening, riding my bike or trike, and dancing to music that makes my body move.
How does living in Portage County influence you?
Since Portage County (and Stevens Point) are mostly flat, it's not that difficult to get everywhere I need to go via bike or on foot. Overall, this community is fairly laid back and it's not difficult to make friends and get to know neighbors. I'm a big fan of the local and organic farms in the area, something that Central Rivers Farmshed and the summer Farmer's Market helped me connect to.
Where are you headed?
I'm headed right here! In terms of curbwise, I'm planning to eventually maintain a fleet of trikes/trailers and hire employees to serve well the Central WI region.
Who's your hero?
The Dalai Lama & Stevie Wonder
What can people from the community learn from you?
That sometimes it's good to go against the grain in order to build community. Playing it safe and rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic can lead to everyone getting hurt.
What is your most deeply held belief?
That anthropogenic climate change is real and we (westerners) have to change our lifestyles.
Do you prefer to donate time or money to those in need?
I mostly donate time. Helping others in person builds better relationships and makes me become a more empathetic person. Even though money can be critical in certain cases, it's also very fleeting.
What is the hardest truth you've ever learned?
The entrenchment of racism in the U.S. - from the 13th amendment to red lining to privatized prisons to policing and beyond ...
If you are looking to use Trevor's' delivery services, you may contact him through his Curbwise Facebook page or email him through the Curbwise website: www.gocurbwise.com.
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