Steve Madsen, 43, was born in Utah and was raised in Cowlitz County, Washington, where he still lives. He received his law degree from Seattle University and has been practicing law the last 13 years. He began mushing in 1991 and has finished the Iditarod twice. He is married to Janet. He says, "While I only have 24 huskies in my kennel, most are Iditarod veterans and come from Swingley and Buser lines. With the support of my wife, my sponsors and my employer, The Building Industry Association of Clark county, Washington, I have the opportunity to bring a well-trained, experienced team to compete in the Race. I especially want to thank the Iditarod staff and volunteers for making the Race possible." Steve and Janet have a daughter, Erin, who will soon be five. Steve says his other interests are reading, working around his property and raising his daughter.