Birthplace: Indianapolis, IN. Title: Vice president, strategy, innovation, and venture capital. Pronouns: He/Him/His. Alma mater: Indiana University. Languages spoken: English (native, fluent). Spanish (conversational).
Latest contribution to others: Giving back to the entrepreneurial community, coaching and mentoring founders. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Moving to new cities for my career. Hobbies: Fitness, reading, gaming, live music and shows, and cooking. Last book read: Designing Your Life, by William Burnett. Recently viewed and recommended: Andor (Disney+). Recent unique acquisition: My car.
Moral compass: Karma. How do you define a perfect friendship? Always there for you, no matter how much time passes, it’s like you saw them yesterday. What is your greatest joy? Seeing my team members grow and succeed. What is your guilty pleasure? A decadent meal that costs too much. What natural talent have you neglected? Playing musical instruments. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? First responders. What is your go-to workout? Weights or martial arts. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Historical sites, or beach relaxation, or both.
What was your first paying job? Working on a horse farm. What movie have you repeatedly watched? The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My best friend, Moose. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Plan your work and work your plan. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Nothing is ever perfect. If you wait for something to be perfect before it launches, it will never launch. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Museums (art, science, history). What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? I had open heart surgery in 2021.
What is your big idea?
Insurance companies need to start helping their customers prevent losses.
What change would you like to see in the world? Social media to be better regulated. What message do you want to send out into the world? You are not your algorithm. Turn off your notifications; your phone is a tool. What mega-trend most excites you? Sustainability. What mega-trend most concerns you? Social media and AI (combined).
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? A Man, A Dream, and A Life Well Lived. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? John F. Kennedy. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? An astronaut. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? My best friend, Moose. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? With my loved ones and best friends, cooking a nice meal and enjoying good wine. What advice would you give your younger self? Invest early, consistently, and often, and never touch those investments.
Personal mission: To treat other people better than they treat me. Personal motto: No better place than here; no better time than now. Favorite quote: “It isn’t what you don’t know that gets you in trouble. It is what you think you know that just aint so” (Mark Twain). Desired epitaph: He did the best he could with what he had.
