Born and raised in northern Michigan, Kevin Elsenheimer appreciates and, more importantly, understands the qualities that make up the fabric of life in northern Michigan.

A love of the outdoors, a sense of public service, and a respect for hard work are qualities that Kevin Elsenheimer has grown up with. They are not just campaign slogans, but have been integral aspects of his life for decades.

The oldest of four children, Kevin learned the pleasures of the outdoors at an early age. He hunted deer with his grandfather, father, and brothers since he was 14. And the opening day of trout season was always a special holiday to be shared with his Dad, walking the clear, bubbling waters of Mitchell and Four Mile Creek near the family’s Traverse City home.

A Sense of Public Service
Kevin’s parents - Art and Louise Elsenheimer - instilled in their children a sense of public service and stressed the importance of working to solve community challenges. Art’s entire career involved service to others and community events – first as an executive for the Boy Scouts of America, then with the United Way, and finally with the Traverse Area Industrial Fund.

Along the way he served on the Grand Traverse Board of Commissioners for 12 years, helping to mold the Grand Traverse City region into a dynamic economic center, while retaining its ‘up north’ flavor. Whenever he could, he brought Kevin along to events, speeches, and meetings. While Kevin went along because he liked spending time with his family. Art too was teaching Kevin the value and obligation of public service.

Creative Problem Solver
Service to your community was a creed at the Elsenheimer household. "Dinner time was always fun at our house," recalls Kevin. "It was a time to talk about issues of the day and to discuss politics. There was always an emphasis on how to solve community problems in a creative way and to see both sides of an issue."

"I learned that there doesn’t have to be an ‘Us vs. Them’ mentality on every issue. Many times focusing on the ‘We can solve this together’ is more effective."

Like his father, Kevin took an interest in scouting and the outdoors. He moved up the scouting ranks, from Cub Scout, to Boy Scout, and Order of the Arrow, eventually becoming an Eagle Scout.

Knows Hard Work
Kevin learned the value of hard work at an early age. The teen’s first paid job was working as a boy scout camp counselor at Camp Greilick, following by working his way up from dishwasher to waiter at area restaurants.

After graduation from Traverse City Central High School, Kevin went to Northwestern Michigan College, then finished his undergraduate degree at Michigan State University. He earned his law degree from Wayne State University and joined the Antrim County Prosecutor’s office as an assistant prosecutor where he handled a variety of criminal and civil cases.

After successful service in the Antrim County Prosecutor's office, Kevin formed a law firm with two former Antrim County Prosecuting attorneys, Jim Young, and Bryan Graham. Today, Young, Graham & Elsenheimer, PC, employs six attorneys and an office staff of three. The firm focuses on the representation of municipal entities throughout Michigan.