Spectrum News 13 chief meteorologist Bryan Karrick on living his dream, the people he looks up to the most and his affinity for watching Top Chef.

1. I’ve wanted to be a meteorologist since I was 4 years old. As a kid, I vividly remember the first severe storm I witnessed, and after that, I wanted to know how storms formed. Growing up I remember prepping and delivering mock weathercasts to family and friends. Today, I’m living my childhood dream as a meteorologist and love sharing my passion for weather.

2. Growing up in Minnesota I learned to love the game of hockey and played throughout my childhood. My last two years of high school varsity hockey were the best, and I enjoyed hitting the ice with all the gear on.

3. My first job was at a Minnesota grocery chain. I worked in the maintenance, dairy, grocery, deli and front-end departments. It was my steady job beginning at 15 years old and continuing through my sophomore year in college. Handling a job and going to school taught me how to prioritize and gave me the skills needed to work closely with others.

4. The two people that I look up to the most are my parents. They instilled in me that hard work pays off, but at the same time, life is here to enjoy. I see how hard they worked and how much they sacrificed raising me and my brother. I think back to the times spent on the road for sporting events, countless hours in ice rinks and on ball fields, and even just helping us with homework.

5. I think one of the best things about living in Central Florida is our weather and the chance to get outside to enjoy it so many days of the year. Combine that with a great local restaurant and an outdoor patio, and I’m in my happy place. I’ve enjoyed local festivals, catching the occasional Orlando City Soccer Club game and exploring all the city has to offer.

6. My favorite TV show is Bravo’s Top Chef. I’ve been a loyal viewer for the past 10 years. My friends and I used to get together to recreate meals from the show and I quickly realized my culinary skills can’t compare to those of the talented chefs on the show. It’s fun to watch the extraordinary talents of everyday people.

7. I’m pretty competitive, so look out when football season comes around. I love my Minnesota Vikings even though we’ve never been able to hoist the Lombardi Trophy. Although I didn’t play football growing up, it’s still a game that keeps my attention from kickoff through the final whistle.

8. If there is a chance to use my green thumb, I’m game. I love yardwork and keeping up with my landscaping. Planting gives me a chance to enjoy the outdoors and at the same time, learn more about the flowers and trees that make Florida so beautiful.

9. My career path to becoming a meteorologist began when I interned for KEYC-TV, the CBS affiliate in North Mankato, Minnesota. At the time, I was a junior in college at Mankato State University. Within the first few weeks of my internship, the then chief meteorologist left and even though I was still a college student, I was hired full time. I ended up staying there for two and a half years before eventually moving to Des Moines, Iowa, to be the morning meteorologist at KCCI-TV. After a few years I moved back to Minneapolis to help launch WeatherNation TV. After five years in my hometown, I was blessed with the opportunity to become chief meteorologist for Spectrum News 13 and this year I will celebrate four years in Orlando, and I love it.

10. My favorite aspect of my job is the opportunity to share my passion for weather with Central Florida viewers. When I step in front of the camera, I want viewers to feel like we’re having a conversation in their family room about what’s happening with the daily forecasts.