Home: Des Moines, IA. Age: Forty-something. Profession: Business, engineering, and continuous improvement leader. Significant other: My wife, Breanna. Alma mater: Iowa State University. Languages spoken: English and some rusty Spanish.
What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Transitioning from a role in a plant-focused space to one focused on production systems and technology globally. Hobbies: Outdoor activities, sports, building/construction, working on cars, gardening. Recent travel or adventure: Several European countries. Last book read: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, by Patrick Lencioni. Recently viewed and recommended: Des Moines Business Record YouTube channel, specifically the Made in Iowa series.
Personality profile: Creative, resilient, persistent, solution oriented. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Courageous. Moral compass: The Golden Rule from the Bible. How do you define a perfect friendship? Honest and direct and does not hold grudges. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Trust, honesty and direct as possible, the ability to compromise towards common goals. What is your greatest joy? My kids are my greatest joy. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Our military and first responders. What is at the top of your bucket list? As a big Iowa State Cyclones fan, seeing my teams reach the Final Four or college football playoffs.
What was your first paying job? Paper route. What was your favorite college course? Design for Manufacturing. What book have you repeatedly read? The Servant: A Simple Story About the True Essence of Leadership, by James C. Hunter. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? A Vince Lombardi quote and Iowa State memorabilia. What’s the best advice you received in your career? While you can do a lot, you can't do it by yourself. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? Artificial intelligence and its vast applications. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Listening to different business podcasts.
What change would you like to see in the world?
Money out of politics would be great.
What message do you want to send out into the world? Approach life's conflicts with others positively. What mega-trend most excites you? The use of artificial intelligence and vast ability to apply this in many applications. What mega-trend most concerns you? Social and networking challenges between people due to the focused use of technology to communicate.
Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? Ben Franklin. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? Dan Marino. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? Old family history and photos that aren’t backed up electronically. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? With my family, enjoying each other's company, playing games, sports, or enjoying nature. What advice would you give your younger self? Enjoy the little successes more and build as many good relationships as you can. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? My wedding day. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? Mid-twenties.
Personal mission: Leave a positive impact on my family and those I interact with. Personal motto: Be humble, work hard, make my family proud, and laugh a lot along the way. Favorite quote: “The measure of who we are is what we do with what we have” (Vince Lombardi).
