HI, MY NAME IS… Michael Kunze.
I’VE LIVED IN SCOTTSDALE FOR 23 YEARS AND I LOVE IT BECAUSE… of the amazing recreation available around the Valley. It is an ideal location for a Boy Scout leader.
A TYPICAL DAY IN MY LIFE INCLUDES… working at Sagewood and spending time with the amazing residents living here. Then flipping the page and supporting local scout organizations as a leader and participating in youth athletics with my family.
MY FAMILY IS… the reason I enjoy life the most! My wife, Robyn, is a food service director at Phoenix Country Day, my 13-year-old son, Greyson, is about to transition to the amazing CREST program at Paradise Valley High School, and my 10-year-old daughter, Amaya, is a fourth grader at Benchmark Elementary. Both of my children are in Scouts of America; my son is a star scout with Troop 818, and my daughter is a Weblos scout with Pack 116.
ONE THING I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT IS… University of Connecticut Athletics. I am a proud alumnus and closely follow the teams through their successes and failures.
MY FAVORITE MOVIE I COULD NEVER GET TIRED OF WATCHING AND WHY IS… “Shawshank Redemption.” I simply love the friendships the characters developed in an unfortunate circumstance.
WHEN I WAS YOUNGER, I WANTED TO BE… a fireman. I never did pursue that career, but I have many close friends who are firefighters throughout the Valley.
THE SONG I WOULD SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT IS… there is no chance I would ever sing in public. It is not my idea of a way to enjoy myself.
THE ONE PERSON WHO MOTIVATES ME IS… my deceased father. I continually think of how my dad would act in a situation, and still marvel at how organized and self-motivated he was.
THE LAST THING THAT MADE ME LAUGH OUT LOUD WAS… my silly daughter who is an introvert in public but is the funniest person in private. She constantly makes our family laugh.
THE PERFECT DAY… in my opinion would be a day off in nature exploring our amazing national parks.
MY FAVORITE LOCAL NONPROFIT IS… Boy Scouts of America, or now the Scouts of America. I am an assistant scoutmaster for Troop 818, as well as a pack committee chair for Pack 116.
MY LIFE IS… busy at this point. Work has been challenging, as the nation comes out of the supply chain issues and into inflation trends affecting the senior living industry. At Sagewood, we are working to make sure residents have everything they need so outside challenges can make my life extra busy. I’m glad to have sports and my family to keep my sanity during the difficult times.
THE BEST GIFT I’VE EVER RECEIVED WAS… my new Haven hammock tent for scout outings. Nothing is better than sleeping off the ground.
MY DREAM VACATION WOULD BE… taking several to hike the Camino del Santiago in France, Spain, and Portugal with my family. I watched a great movie a while back called “The Way” and it first exposed me to the life changing experiences that people experience during this journey.
THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE EVER RECEIVED IS… to spend as much time with your kids as possible and to be involved in their activities.
