Raised in Bear Lake County, Austin learned a great respect for the outdoors early on through hunting, fishing, hiking, and other outdoor exploration in Southeast Idaho. After working around the country, he settled back in his hometown of Montpelier with his wife to raise a family. An accountant by trade, he has been involved in many local organizations to bolster the local economy and seek balance between the wild spaces and the people that wish to enjoy them. As he and his wife raise their four boys outside sharing the activities they love – rock climbing, backcountry snowboarding, mountain climbing, and backpacking – he was inspired by the efforts being made to protect surrounding forests, wildlife and agriculture from the impact of the increasing population.