Take one look at Gerad's tropical GUESS? shots, and you'd never suspect that he hails from a very cold place. Born on April 10, 1977, Gerad Albers grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, a city where the winter temperatures dip to chilling -20o F.

While attending the University of Minnesota Gerad was recruited by a Chicago-based modeling agency that sent him on a casting call in New York. In attendance was none other than GUESS? photographer Pablo Alfaro who recommended him for the GUESS? shoot.

About his modeling career, Gerad says, "I feel so very fortunate that I have the opportunity to travel to so many places this early in my life."

To stay in model-perfect shape, Gerad works out five days a week. His workouts consist of weight training combined with biking, swimming and a lot of basketball with his friends.

Within the next five years, Gerad wants to pursue an acting career, hoping to landing a role in a motion picture or a television sitcom. Having worked as a professional chef for four years, Gerad would someday like to open his own restaurant. An avid racing fan, he'd also like to fill a stable with thoroughbred racehorses.

When he's not busy spending time with his model/actress girlfriend, he likes to read mystery novels and play sports or spend the day watching horses at the racetrack.