Kurt, originally from the Wisconsin dairyland, was raised in the East Bay and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Conservative and Resource Studies a mere bike ride away at Berkeley. He worked for a general contractor all through college and for several years following before starting a career in corrections. While working full-time, Kurt engaged in a succession of carpentry and construction projects at home or with family and friends, as it came naturally after his years in construction. After retirement, he stepped in as the Bouverie Land Steward in 2016 and now works half-time.