Home: Jupiter, FL. Age: 61. Birthplace: Denver, CO. Profession: Information technology/systems staffing. Organization: Info Technologies, Inc.; IT Web Solutions; Diversant, LLC. Title: Chairman. Significant other: Patricia Stehmer. Alma mater: Ursinus College (B.S., Computer Science); Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program.
Current project: Acting in an advisory capacity for Diversant, LLC as chairman of the board of directors. Recent professional development: Retired chairman & co-founder of Diversant LLC, one of the largest U.S. based information technology staffing firms. Latest accomplishment: Feeling fulfilled in philanthropic participation as well as mentoring young entrepreneurs. Avid deep sea fisherman. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Starting three different but related companies. Hobbies: Reading, boating/fishing, resistance training, golfing, world travel. Recent travel or adventure: Gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Last book read: The Dying Citizen, by Victor Davis Hanson. Recently viewed and recommended: Full Swing (Netflix). A series of PGA Tour professionals. Recent unique acquisition: A 46’ Valhalla center console sport fisherman.
Personality profile: Extraverted, analytical, persistent. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Generous. Moral compass: Keep the mission and vision in mind at all times. How do you define a perfect friendship? Respect, understanding, responsiveness, honesty and integrity. How do you define an ideal business relationship? One where everyone wins. What is your greatest joy? African safaris with my family. What is your greatest fear? Becoming sick and dying too young. What is your guilty pleasure? Fine cigars and old Bordeaux. What natural talent have you neglected? Developing people, especially in business startups. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Those who have dedicated their lives to research. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Vineyards. What is at the top of your bucket list? Shooting par. How do you relieve stress? Exercise. What is your go-to workout? Resistance training. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? World class golf.
What was your first paying job? Paper route. What was your favorite college course? Economics. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Basketball. What book have you repeatedly read? The Power of Now, by Eckhart Tolle. What movie have you repeatedly watched? The Gladiator. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? My family in Africa. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My grandfather. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Start your own business. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? Zoom. It’s a privilege to be able to conduct face-to-face business from across the country. What is your favorite app? Weather. What is your go-to source of news and information? New York Post. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Harvard Business School case studies on best practices of the best run companies. What company or organization do you most admire? Danaher. What world event has had the greatest influence on your life? 9/11. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? Learning to be my own boss. Entrepreneurship is a completely different ballgame than leadership in any other capacity.
What message do you want to send out into the world?
Work hard, start your own business, commit to life-long learning, be generous and take care of your family.
What change would you like to see in the world? Fair, unbiased reporting. What widely held belief do you reject? Life is too hard. What mega-trend most excites you? The applications of AI. While people may be nervous about it, it will bring more advancements than harm. What mega-trend most concerns you? Social media bias.
Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? Arnold Palmer. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A professional basketball player. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? My collection of family photo albums. I need to get them digitized. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? With my family on the water. What advice would you give your younger self? Ask your parents and siblings for their feelings about whomever I was dating. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? The day I was in the delivery room when my children were being born. That day was the highest of highs! What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? High school years. The transition to college was rough and I wish I had better prepared myself for the academic rigor required.
Personal mission: Have a plan every day to get a little better. Personal motto: Life is what you make it!
