Home: Minnetonka, MN. Age: 61. Birthplace: Minnesota. Profession: Entrepreneur, investor, advisor. Organization: Epilog.Life. Title: Chief Executive Officer. Alma mater: St. Cloud State University; Northwestern University, Kellogg Graduate School of Management.
Current project: Leading the building of a technology platform. Recent professional development: Earning the Behavioral Finance Advisor designation. Latest accomplishment: Helping to clarify and shape long-term strategy for a purpose-driven organization. Latest contribution to others: Providing life coaching and career mentoring to many young adults. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Choosing long-term purpose over short-term validation. Hobbies: Reading, music, reflection, mentoring conversations. Last book read: If You’re Alive: Your Mission on Earth Isn’t Finished, by David McNally.
Personality profile: Trustworthy, wise, reflective, steady, principled, relational. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Thoughtful. Moral compass: Faith, integrity, compassion, and service. How do you define a perfect friendship? Honesty, loyalty, patience, mutual growth. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Trust, clarity, accountability, shared values. What is your greatest joy? Helping others, especially young adults, to believe in who they are capable of becoming. What is your greatest fear? Living misaligned with values and purpose. What is your guilty pleasure? Quiet mornings with coffee and reflection.
What was your first paying job? Farm and manual labor work. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Made up games on the farm. What book have you repeatedly read? The Bible. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Framed cartoon from Oh, the Places You’ll Go!; a framed poem of The Road Less Traveled. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? Mentors who modeled integrity, faithfulness, and service. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Pay attention to how your unique abilities can help others succeed, and you’ll be sure to succeed yourself. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Play the long game and protect your reputation.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field?
Shifting success from transactional outcomes to relational and purpose-driven ones.
What change would you like to see in the world? More compassionate, values-based leadership. What message do you want to send out into the world? Your future matters more than your past. What widely held belief do you reject? The belief that success is measured primarily by money or status. What mega-trend most excites you? Technology that strengthens human connection.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Lost and Found. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? Jesus. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? President of the United States. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? A family photo album. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? With family, in gratitude, having meaningful conversations. What advice would you give your younger self? Protect your time, your relationships and your integrity.
Personal mission: To live faithfully, serve others, and help people to see who they are capable of becoming. Personal motto: Choose purpose over validation. Favorite quote: “Be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:9). Desired epitaph: He lived with purpose and helped others to do the same.
