Home: Lee’s Summit, MO. Age: 48. Birthplace: Dexter, MO. Profession: Retired educator, business development, real estate. Organization: Strategos International / Platinum Realty. Title: Lead Trainer and Business Development; Realtor. Alma mater: Southeast Missouri State University; Saint Louis University.
Latest accomplishment: Implemented school protection specialists in a local school district to improve physical safety. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Retiring at age 46 to pursue my interests in school safety and real estate. Hobbies: Golf, gym, playing in a band, landscaping, target shooting, posting reviews, building prototypes of various inventions. Recent travel or adventure: I love to go to Mexico at least two or three times a year. I enjoy the people and the language. Recently viewed and recommended: The Recruit (Netflix). Recent unique acquisition: I was gifted a Ruger .44 Magnum revolver with a 10 inch barrel.
How do you define a perfect friendship? One that is reciprocal. Those who give as much as they get seem to be the best friends. How do you define an ideal business relationship? We all have our strengths and weaknesses. So having someone who possesses opposing qualities helps create synergy. What is your greatest joy? My daughter. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Doctors, because it is high stress and they actually save lives. What is at the top of your bucket list? Traveling to Australia. How do you relieve stress? Playing the drums.
What was your first paying job? Hauling hay for $0.07 per bale. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Full Metal Jacket. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? My skydiving club membership. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Don’t do anything to harm the family name. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Delegation is multiplying your effectiveness. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Friends. What do you find particularly motivating? 80s and 90s heavy metal. The intricacies of the chord progressions and the speed definitely get me moving. What world event has had the greatest influence on your life? 9/11 comes to mind, because so many things changed in the world.
What is your big idea?
State departments of education should purchase and make available a school safety training to all school districts.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? I am working to improve school safety through training. What widely held belief do you reject? Religion. I believe in God, but I am not sure which religion is the true religion. What mega-trend most excites you? Cryptocurrency, allowing an alternative outside the banking system. What mega-trend most concerns you? Consumerism, which is destroying the environment.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? The Life of an Average Guy. What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Walton Goggins. People say we have a similar look. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My father. I would love to catch him up on all the things that have happened since he passed. If you could do anything tomorrow, what would you do? I would jump on a plane to Pebble Beach and play a round of golf. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A lawyer. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? I would do everything I could possibly get done with my daughter. What advice would you give your younger self? Balance work with pleasure. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? Any one of the days spent on a family cruise.
Personal mission: Family first. Personal motto: Be kind and it will come back to you. Favorite quote: “A penny saved is a penny earned” (Ben Franklin). Desired epitaph: Father, friend, educator.
