Erik Aamoth ʼ90 lives in Plymouth with his wife, Tracy, and two sons, Joe and Mike. He works for Avivo, a nonprofit that helps people in need with recovery, mental health, housing, employment and job training. Erik spends time attending his sons’ baseball games, reading, playing softball, paddle tennis and pickleball.
Q: What is your idea of a fruitful day?
A: Playing pickleball or going on a bike ride in the morning. Boating in the afternoon with family and friends. Going out to dinner and a movie with my wife in the evening.
Q: What is your earliest childhood memory?
A: I remember playing T-ball in Kenwood Park when I was very little.
Q: I was once mistaken for…
A: [Former Minnesota Governor] Tim Pawlenty. I drove him to a campaign event. I got out of the car and one of the hosts who had never met him asked me if I was Tim Pawlenty. I smiled and said, “No, he is in the other car.”
Q: If you could live inside any sitcom, which one would it be?
A: “Parks and Recreation.” I watched it when I was on furlough last year, and I identified with the characters having worked in the government. I also would like to meet the character Ron. He was my favorite character.
Q: Who is your hero?
A: [Former U.S. Congressman] Jim Ramstad. Jim was always very respectful to everyone he met. He worked with people of all political backgrounds. He was a mentor to me, and he was there for my family when my brother passed.
Q: If you could visit any place in the world, where would you choose to go and why?
A: Hawaii because we used to go there when I was younger and it is beautiful.
Q: What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?
A: Beastie Boys because it was my second date with my wife.
Q: What teacher inspired you the most? How?
A: Rod Anderson. Mr. Anderson taught a class that introduced me to politics and motivated me to work in politics and serve my community.
Q: What's your favorite family tradition?
A: Going to Detroit Lakes on the Fourth of July.
Q: What do you miss most about being a kid?
A: Playing baseball with my friends in the park.