Home: Bay City, MI. Age: 59. Birthplace: Grand Rapids, MI. Profession: After-market automotive sales; retired from public safety. Title: Sales representative. Alma mater: Arizona State University; Northern Arizona University.
Current project: Researching my family history and collecting photographs, heirlooms and other family artifacts. Latest accomplishment: Increasing sales in my territory. What’s been your big (or biggest) leap? Retiring as a police lieutenant in Phoenix, AZ, and becoming police chief and public safety director in Bay City, MI. Hobbies: Cooking, reading, travel, college and professional sporting events, firearms, fine wine and whiskey tasting. Recent travel or adventure: A Mediterranean cruise to Italy, Greece and Turkey. Recent unique acquisition: Several family heirlooms dating to the 19th century, including my nono’s mandolin. How do you handle adversity? Prayer, hard work and tenacity.
Personality profile: Introverted and outgoing, witty, loyal, tenacious and honest. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Reliable. Moral compass: The Bible and other Christian writings, along with ancient Western and Eastern philosophy. How do you define a perfect friendship? Trust and camaraderie. What is your greatest joy? Knowing that I am saved through my Lord Jesus Christ. In this world, my children and close friends. What is at the top of your bucket list? Returning to Italy to visit my nono’s and nona’s villages. How do you relieve stress? Prayer, meditation and walking. What are your favorite things? I’m a bit bougie. I like fine food, concerts and shows.
What was your first paying job? Paper boy for The Oregonian. What was your favorite college course? Western and ancient civilizations and Western and Eastern philosophy. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Rock ’Em Sock ’Em Robots, Risk and Monopoly. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? An eclectic arrangement of family pictures, degrees, certificates and awards. What is your favorite app? Audiobooks and podcasts. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? The Bible and ancient philosophy. What world event has had the greatest influence on your life? World War I. If my grandfather hadn’t survived fighting on the Italian Front, I would not be here.
What message do you want to send out into the world?
This world is temporal. Place your trust and treasure in something permanent.
What widely held belief do you reject? That large government bureaucracies are the answer to a better life. Freedom and limited government are better answers. What mega-trend most excites you? AI. What mega-trend most concerns you? AI.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? He Gave His All. What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Tom Hanks. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A soldier. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? With my three kids, anywhere, talking and reminiscing. What advice would you give your younger self? Slow down and enjoy life. Notice the small things and little moments. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? The births of my three children. What would you try to do better if you could redo something in your past? Be a better father, husband and fiancé.
Personal mission: To be the best person I can be, for others and for myself. Desired epitaph: He did his best. What else is there?
