| My name is Rex Shipp. I'm running to be your representative to the Utah State Legislature.
I'm running because I love this district. I've raised my children here. I want this to continue to be one of the best places on earth to live, work, play, and raise a family. I want the families that live in this area to enjoy the same experiences.
I feel with my background - running successful businesses and devoting time to community service - that I would be able to bring a unique and important perspective to the Utah Legislature. I promise to fight for what will benefit this beautiful area of our state!
UTAH RAISED
I love rural Utah. We have unique and important needs. That's been instilled in me since I was young.
I grew up on the family cattle ranch in Joseph, Utah with four brothers and two sisters. We were expected to work, and early on I learned to appreciate the importance of daily chores that come with farming and caring for cattle.
Coming from a large family, I grew up with a love for sports. My brothers and I almost always had a ball in our hands. When that ball wasn't in our hands, it was replaced by a fishing rod. We also loved to hunt. Some of the best family bonding happens in the wilderness.
SCHOOL, CHURCH SERVICE, AND A BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
I graduated from South Sevier High School in Monroe, UT in 1974. While there, I played football, basketball, and baseball. I received a wonderful education and developed lifelong friendships.
After high school, I went to Dixie College on a baseball scholarship. I attended there for one year, before leaving in October 1975 on an LDS mission to Rome, Italy. After returning, I moved to Cedar City to attend SUSC (now SUU) and 40 years later, I'm still here.
I played baseball for SUSC and had the wonderful opportunity to play on the 1979 team as a pitcher that won the RMAC conference championship.
MY WIFE AND KIDS
In the fall of 1978 I met a beautiful young woman named Stacia Eagar. She was a Cedar City native who was also a student at SUSC. We fell in love and decided that we wanted to build our lives together. We were married August 24, 1979. Since that time, we've had seven children. They have all been raised and educated in Iron County. They have all obtained or are working towards higher education degrees.
PROFESSIONAL
I began working at Morton Metalcraft as a machine operator in May 1979. I worked a full-time job while still carrying a full school schedule until I graduated in June of 1981 with a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Industrial Technology and minoring in business administration. Upon graduation, I was offered a management position at Morton Metalcraft and worked there until September 1987.
Since 1987, I have been working as a financial advisor guiding clients in the decisions of life and health insurance. I have also been involved in investment work for the citizens of Southern Utah.
I have been a member of many associations in this industry, including NAIFA (National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors) where I am a past president of the local Southern Utah Association. I am also a past Life Member of the MDRT (Million Dollar Round Table).
I also have the opportunity to own and help operate three convenience stores and three fast-food businesses, in addition to managing several residential and commercial rentals.
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
I love our community. I know that it takes a village to raise children, create opportunities, build infrastructure, and - most importantly - cultivate widespread happiness. For that reason, I'm proud to say that I serve when and where I can.
I have served in many leadership positions in my church.
I have been a member of the Rotary Club for many years, even serving as president of that organization.
I am a member of the SUU Touchdown Club and continue to look for ways to support SUU students. |