For this month’s Where Are They Now? feature, we’re excited to highlight Tim Rogers, a proud member of the FHUHS Class of 1998 whose life path is a testament to hard work, resilience, and following what you love.
After graduating from Fair Haven Union High School, Tim entered the workforce immediately—an experience that shaped his strong work ethic and set him on a path of steady growth and accomplishment. He began his career at Timberwolf Manufacturing, where he worked in every department before eventually becoming the Parts and Inventory Manager. In 2010, he made the jump to GE Aerospace, where he has spent the past 15 years. Tim started as an L12 in the broaching area and worked his way into gage inspection, a highly technical role ensuring the accuracy and safety of components used in GE’s jet engines.
During his years in Slate Valley schools, Tim found encouragement from several teachers who made a lasting impact—especially Mr. Blodget (Science), Mr. Doran (Social Studies), Mr. Hier (Social Studies) and Mr. Patterson (Wood Shop). Their message of perseverance and goal-setting continues to guide him today: never give up and to never stop trying, set goals and work hard to achieve them.
Although Tim didn’t join school sports or clubs, he found his competitive outlet in local bowling leagues at Fairwood Lanes and Rutland Bowlerama. From 1996–1998, he earned numerous titles, including state champion in both teams and doubles competition. In 1998, he won a televised youth tournament on PEG-TV and later claimed the Junior USA Gold Tournament, qualifying for Reno to attempt to make the Junior Olympic team. He climbed as high as 50th place out of 350 competitors before an injury slowed him down—but not before leaving his mark.
Tim’s achievements extend beyond athletics and career. In 2003, he was featured on the reality TV show Monster Garage with Jesse James, where his team transformed a car into a functional log splitter using equipment he once helped build. The episode aired in March 2004 on the Discovery Channel.
In the last 15 years, Tim has also become a force in the competitive cooking world. He has competed in the Poultney Chili Cook-Off 11 times—winning an impressive 7 championships—and is part of the professional BBQ team UP-2 BBQ with teammate Curran LaFarge. Together, they have claimed multiple category wins, a Grand Championship, and a Reserve Grand Championship, becoming the first Vermont team in over 30 years to win a Masters division contest. Their Grand Championship earned them a spot in the prestigious Jack Daniel’s World Invitational BBQ in Tennessee (finishing 46th of 89 teams), followed by competition at The American Royal, the largest BBQ contest in the world.
On the personal side, Tim met the love of his life, Dainyell, in 2012, and the two married in 2015. They are proud parents to two daughters, Jiy and Jazzlyn, who attend Castleton Elementary School, along with their much-loved Saint Bernard, Marcus.
Tim’s Advice to Today’s Slate Valley Students:
“Make goals that are obtainable. Obtain them and make new ones. If you never quit, you never fail. And if you do fall down, get back up and keep fighting.”
Thank you, Tim, for sharing your journey and for reminding us all what determination, passion, and hard work can achieve. Your Slate Valley family is proud of you!