Home: Kansas City, MO; Scottsdale, AZ. Age: Over 40 (believe it or not). Birthplace: New Jersey. Profession: Real estate development. Organization: UMusic Hotels Development (UMHD). Alma mater: Columbia University (MPA); Emory University (BA). Recent recognition: Emory University’s 40 under 40 list. What word or phrase do you use far too often? Everything is great! How do you relieve stress? Weightlifting. What is your go-to workout? Picking up something heavy! What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Sunshine. What was your first paying job? Delivering pizza. What was your favorite college course? Several of my philosophy courses, particularly those that presented questions or situations with potentially more than one valid answer or argument. What book have you repeatedly read? All of my books about cities: Death and Life of American Cities, Walkable Cities, Happy City, etc. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Artwork by my 7-year-old daughter. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Wait 30 minutes after eating before getting back in the pool. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Even the smartest and most capable people around you are bound to make mistakes at some point. What would even a close friend be surprised to learn about you? I was once a Kindergarten teacher with Teach For America in Newark, NJ. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? Marking text messages as read. I would truly forget to respond to so many texts if I wasn’t able to keep the notification bubble. What mega-trend most excites you? Autonomous vehicles. Very excited about the future opportunities with these! What advice would you give your younger self? Don’t be so hard on yourself. Personal mission: Building better opportunities for communities around the country. Personal motto: Everything is great!
