Washington Roots
In 1989, Kris’s parents moved their young family to the Spokane Valley, Washington. With four siblings in tow, Kris— the youngest—began building a lifetime of memories in Eastern Washington. A previous vacation introduced them to the charm of a Spokane Valley winter, and his mother, Frankie, fell in love with our area. To this day, Kris's parents still live in the their first Spokane Valley home, and Kris and his wife Rebekah own their own home a few miles away.
Growing Up in Spokane Valley
Kris’s childhood was filled with adventure, from tree-climbing mishaps (where he believed he was dangling dangerously high but was actually inches from the ground) to helping his father cut firewood to heat their home. His mother, proud of her role in the family, would always list her occupation as “domestic goddess” on school forms.
Like many families, times were tough in the early years. His parents paid the mortgage directly to his grandmother, and household furniture was a mix of hand-me-downs. Kris even kept his clothes in a cardboard box before eventually moving into the basement with his siblings. As his siblings grew up and moved out, the family’s financial situation improved, but the values of hard work and resilience stuck with Kris.
School Days: A Social Butterfly with a Revolutionary Spirit
Kris attended Adams Elementary, where he earned the title of “social butterfly” from his teachers—sometimes as praise, sometimes as a gentle warning. In 5th grade, his enthusiasm for history led him to incite his classmates to chant “revolution” after recess, a move that earned him a memorable detention slip (which he still keeps to this day).
At Evergreen Junior High, Kris encountered unforgettable teachers like Mr. Paukert, whose humor and intellect made English class a highlight. He also experienced one of the defining moments of his generation—September 11, 2001. He vividly remembers watching the second plane hit the towers and the collective sense of anger and confusion shared among his peers.
During his time at Central Valley High School, Kris thrived in drama productions, made lifelong friendships, and gained a deeper appreciation for education. His 9th-grade math teacher, Mr. Kaplan, was the first to treat him as an equal, shifting his entire perspective on school. Another major influence was Mr. Kiki, whose mentorship remained impactful long after high school—so much so that he was Kris’s first political campaign endorser years later. Kris and Mr. Kiki remain close friends, to this day.
From Machinist to Software Engineer
After graduation, Kris worked in his family’s saltwater aquarium store before briefly moving to Las Vegas in 2007 to work as a legal assistant. There, he pioneered a software solution that automated Nevada’s probate process, sparking his passion for programming.
Returning to Spokane Valley, Kris balanced work as a machinist with earning his bachelor’s degree software engineering and eventually an MBA with a focus in IT Management. He found that he thrived under pressure, consistently pushing himself to learn and grow. His career in tech took off, first with AssetWorks and later as the co-founder of a software company, where one of their apps reached 30,000 daily users.
The Birth of Elixir Sauce Co.
In 2012, Kris’s father—a devoted “pepperhead”—perfected a hot sauce that was both incredibly flavorful and fiery. Kris and his wife, Rebekah, saw an opportunity and launched Elixir Sauce Co. The first attempt floundered under regulatory challenges, but their second try in 2020 was a success.
Elixir Sauce Co. isn’t just about heat; it’s about community. Kris and Rebekah intentionally source local ingredients and support nearby businesses, believing that small businesses thrive when they uplift one another. In 2024, they took a major step by hiring their first full-time employee—Kris’s brother, John, a seasoned sales expert.
A Passion for Community and Public Service
Kris has always been deeply connected to Spokane Valley, and in 2024, he took his passion for service to the next level by running for State Representative for District 4. He prevailed in the primary election and congratulated Representative Suzanne Schmidt, who won reelection. After the election, Kris and Rep. Schmidt got to know each other, and Kris is grateful to call her a friend. This experience reinforced his love for his community and his commitment to making a difference.
Now, Kris is running for Spokane Valley City Council with a clear mission: to bring practical, results-driven leadership back to the community.
Why Kris is Running for Spokane Valley City Council
Spokane Valley is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family, but there’s always room for improvement. Kris believes in practical, community-driven leadership that focuses on real solutions rather than political distractions. His goal is to ensure Spokane Valley remains a place where businesses can thrive, families feel safe, and neighbors feel connected.
His priorities are simple:
✅ Citizen Safety focused on continued and increased Crime Prevention and Response
✅ Economic Opportunity prioritizing Attainable Housing, Small Business and Education
✅ Connectivity featuring Residential and Commerce Infrastructure
Kris is committed to working with everyone—no matter their background or political perspective—to get things done for the people of Spokane Valley. He believes leadership should be about problem-solving, building relationships, and making positive progress.