Michael Ryan and his father at their family's tree farm in Union Bridge, Maryland. (photo from Catholic Standard)

Adjunct Professor Michael Ryan, class of 1991, was quoted in an article in the Catholic Standard on Monday, December 7. Ryan is not only a senior legal, financial and operational executive, but he also helps out on weekends at his family's tree farm in Union Bridge, Maryland.

The farm - which Ryan operates with his wife, Mary - is now seeing the second generation of Ryans providing a fun family experience. Ryan's three sons - Paul, Tom and Mike - work weekends at the farm. Mike, a Bethesda-based lawyer, graduated from CUA's Columbus School of Law and is a part-time instructor at CUA, teaching a course on securities market regulations.

"This is a great opportunity for families to come out, spend time together and enjoy themselves," Mike said. "The trees are easy to cut down and easy to get on the car."

Mike said he enjoys his time working at the Christmas tree farm because "I like dealing with the customers."

Ryan estimates that between 60 and 70 percent of his business comes from repeat customers. Mike noted that the first two full weekends of December are the farm's busiest sales days.