A Cross-Country Leap of Faith
How easy would it be to leave behind your career, friends and your dream home on six acres for a chance to fulfill a dream? In 2025 Chris and Tricia Koch along with their twelve year old daughter Kinslee, decided to move out east. "My dad was born and raised in Bergenfield," said Tricia. Although raised in Washington State, Tricia spent summers taking Jersey Shore trips down to Wildwood and Beach Haven, Long Beach Island with family. "I love that I have so many memories with my cousins on our summer trips," Tricia said. Creating so many wonderful memories with her New Jersey family motivated Tricia to relocate to New Jersey. Although Tricia is an only child, her cousins felt like her siblings.
How Chris and Tricia Met
Both Tricia and Chris attended the same elementary, middle school and high school. Chris graduated two years before Tricia. While attending the Seattle Art Institute, Tricia traveled to The Sunbreak Cafe in Auburn, Washington, where Chris had worked for over 20 years. By the end of breakfast, Chris had Tricia's phone number. After numerous attempts to go on a date, Tricia finally agreed and said, "ok, I will go on a date with you but I am not going to marry you." Funny how things can change. Chris and Tricia have now been together for 20 years and recently celebrated their 16th wedding anniversary this past February.
Making the Move
Tricia has been an esthetician for 19 years, including eight years as a spa manager. In January 2025, Tricia accepted a job with Greenwich Medical Spa. "I flew into New Jersey on a Saturday and started working on Monday morning." Chris and Kinslee stayed behind in Washington so Kinslee could remain in school until her spring break and so Tricia could house hunt. "I lived with family in Waldwick while commuting to Greenwich for six weeks before I got settled into my GMS location in Closter New Jersey," Tricia said. Chris has been working for Costco for ten years and was able to easily transfer to a different location. "We had a big house on six acres and I knew I would be giving up a lot by moving to New Jersey," Chris said. Their home featured twelve raised garden beds along with a greenhouse. Both Tricia and Chris spend a lot of time outside growing vegetables, herbs and a variety of flowers. "There is something so rewarding about growing your own food," Tricia said.
Settling Into Wyckoff
Chris, Tricia and Kinslee finally found their home in the Lincoln neighborhood of Wyckoff. Chris learned a lot about their 1939 home from neighbor Joe who has lived in the home next door for 65 years. Chris, who enjoys tackling home projects like millwork and masonry, made many of the home's upgrades. "I know it sounds strange, but I really love pressure washing. I find it relaxing and love the instant gratification from it," said Chris. Chris does love being home and spending time doing projects but his real passion is his motorcycle. He is looking forward to better weather ahead so he is able to take more frequent rides.
Kinslee's Transition
Kinslee had two months left in her sixth-grade year when she moved here. Both Tricia and Chris have been very impressed with how well Kinslee has transitioned. "We are both so proud of Kinslee. She has worked really hard in school and has enthusiastically met new people and joined sports teams," Tricia said. Kinslee has cheered with both Wyckoff rec and school. Most recently, she played recreational basketball and now plays volleyball at Bergen Volleyball Club. She enjoys her independence of going to Starbucks and Pizza Mandaria with friends. It's been an adjustment for Kinslee not being able to ride her dirt bike here in Bergen County but she did get the chance to ride a few months ago on a family member's property in Pennsylvania.
Family First
When the Koch Family isn't working on home projects, working hard in their careers, or attending Kinslee's sporting activities, they spend as much time with family as they can. Spending time going out and trying new restaurants, hosting family dinners, and having impromptu cousin hangouts. "That's why we are here. I am so grateful that I can be a part of my nieces' and nephews' lives. I attend every wrestling match or gymnastics competition that I can," Tricia said.
No Regrets
The Kochs are so happy they found a home in Wyckoff and love being a part of the community. "None of this would have been possible without my husband's support. Even though this has been a tough transition, he has been my number one supporter," Tricia said. "If I hadn't taken this chance to take the job at GMS and move to New Jersey, I think I would always have regretted it. We only have one life. I want to show Kinslee that it's never too late to go after your dreams. Even if that means not everyone in your life will support it. I really believe that our family is living proof that things can turn out better than you could have hoped."
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