Age: A youthful 60-something. Profession: Creative designer. Organization: Encore Designs. Title: Owner/president. Significant other: My best friend, Tracy. Alma mater: Center for Creative Studies.
Current project: Working on a new book: Justice for All. Recent professional development: I have two books pending approval: Death in a Nantucket Garden and Death on the Rocks. Latest accomplishment: I finished writing two books. Latest contribution to others: A charitable gift to Sioux Indian children. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Going into business for myself. It has worked for 45 years. Recent travel or adventure: A month-long odyssey around France with my wife, Tracy, and my dog, Maggie. Recent unique acquisition: An old oil-on-wood panel painting, circa 1700, found online, of Nantucket Harbor.
Personality profile: Creative, hard-working, optimistic, innovative, and driven. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Fun. What is your greatest joy? My three children, five grandchildren, beautiful wife, and Gordon setter. What natural talent have you neglected? Making wine. I have planted a small, private vineyard and learned to make wine. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? The South of France. What is at the top of your bucket list? Sportfishing with my new boat. What is your go-to workout? Climbing on my Trek road bike for a 20-mile hard ride. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? My wife, dog, champagne, and sunshine.
What was your first paying job? Lifeguard at Hampton Beach, New Hampshire. What was your favorite college course? Three-dimensional design. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Erector set. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Pictures of my grandchildren. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My wife, who is much smarter and more clear thinking than myself. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Never be satisfied. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Staring out over the Atlantic Ocean, which opens and calms my mind.
What is your big idea?
A feasible, cost-effective way to generate drinking water from the ocean.
What change would you like to see in the world? A lot less drugs, alcohol, and politics would be a great start. What message do you want to send out into the world? Grow up and leave the bonds of high school behind. What widely held belief do you reject? The world is warming up. What mega-trend most excites you? Artificial intelligence.
Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My mother, who left too soon to share our children and grandchildren with. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A carpenter because I love the smell and feel of wood. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? A self-portrait painting by my father (Boston Museum School, 1931). How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? With my wife and children sipping champagne on the beach. What advice would you give your younger self? Smile more and worry less.
Personal mission: Living well is the best revenge. Personal motto: Finish every job you start. Never quit. Favorite quote: “They still make those” (Frank Ross, regarding a lost item). Desired epitaph: He traveled a winding road that eventually led him to his goals.
