Home: Northbrook, IL. Age: 50. Birthplace: Chicago, IL. Profession: Finance executive. Title: President.
Recent recognition: Served on a panel to discuss liquidating companies before a huge audience of bankers at one of their conferences. Latest accomplishment: Recovered from a motorcycle accident. Latest contribution to others: Helping a mid-80-year-old man in my apartment building move into an assisted living home. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Changing the focus of our company from a stocking machinery dealer to a financial firm. Hobbies: Cars, camping, hiking, biking, kayaking, and motorcycle adventures. What is your favorite outdoor activity? I love self-guided trips and my favorite part is actually planning the trip. Recent travel or adventure: Renting a motorcycle in Southern California, wandering through the forest roads.
Personality profile: Open, witty, and decisive. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Driven. Moral compass: The truth doesn’t cost anything, but a lie could cost you everything. What is your greatest joy? Watching my kids grow up to be strong, independent, and motivated. What is your greatest joy at work? Spending time mentoring team members and then watching them strive. What is your greatest fear? Losing my hearing, as I love music. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Vintage car restorer. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Vintage cars.
What was your first paying job? Boston Market, the chicken restaurant. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Articles that feature me or our company. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? Grandfather Alex. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Only buy something if you can afford it. Save up for it and when you have the money, you might find that you no longer want or need it. What’s the best advice you received in your career? YCDBSOYA (you can’t do business sitting on your ass). What is your favorite app? Perplexity.ai.
What is your big idea?
A mandatory class in high school that teaches empathy and humility.
What message do you want to send out into the world? Stop buying stuff you don’t need. There is too much garbage in this world. What mega-trend most concerns you? Electrification of vehicles. It’s so horrible for the environment
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Well, That Didn’t Go as Planned. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? Walter Owen Bentley. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? An architect. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? My forties.
Personal motto: Work hard, play hard, and always look at the positive side. Favorite quote: “Failure is just another opportunity to start over” (Yogi Berra).
