Home: Arnolds Park, IA. Age: 54. Birthplace: Des Moines, IA. Significant other: Dawn Mason. Alma mater: Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Current project: Most of my time is taken up in the search for a business to purchase. Latest accomplishment: Found a business opportunity. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Selling my business. Hobbies: My hobbies include automobiles, boating, weightlifting, home improvement. Last book read: Reclaiming History, by Vincent Bugliosi. Recently viewed and recommended: Into the Fire (documentary).
Moral compass: Mostly my fear of karma. How do you define a perfect friendship? No work, acceptance, loyalty and honest advice. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Honesty, openness, patience and loyalty. What is your greatest joy? My greatest joy is watching my three boys grow. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Medicine. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Travel. How do you relieve stress? Working out. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Relaxation and stress free.
What was your favorite college course? Creative Writing. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Vintage Porsche artwork. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Make your customer or client feel like they are your priority. What is your go-to source of news and information? Fox News. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Documentaries on business leaders. What company or organization do you most admire? SpaceX. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? The loss of a job and its aftermath.
What is your big idea?
Creating a business-negotiating business.
What change would you like to see in the world? For the US Federal Government to limit municipal bailouts. What message do you want to send out into the world? Trust each other and be generous. What mega-trend most excites you? Artificial intelligence. What mega-trend most concerns you? Social media.
What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Vince Vaughn. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My dad. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A race car driver. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? My phone. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? With my children, doing whatever they wanted to. What advice would you give your younger self? Live cheaply. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? My early twenties. I would persue more business oportunities and make different choices.
Personal mission: Becoming financially secure. Personal motto: Do your best. Favorite quote: “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right” (Henry Ford). Desired epitaph: He didn’t do everything right, but he did it his way.
