Home: Fullerton, CA. Profession: Musician, college professor. Significant other: My wife, Anna. Alma mater: University of Southern California (Master of Music). Languages spoken: Some German, Spanish, Italian, a little French.
Current project: Musical directing both a stage musical and church events. Latest accomplishment: Finally visited Australia and New Zealand. Latest contribution to others: Wrote a $10,000 Elks National Foundation grant to support our local food bank, Pathways of Hope. Hobbies: Gardening, keeping chickens, home fix-it projects. Last book read: The Disappearing Spoon, Sam Kean.
Personality profile: Loving, giving, wanting to see the best in other people. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Talented. Moral compass: Act with consideration of others. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Collaborators are trusting, without a fragile ego, and value input. What is your greatest joy? My children. What is your guilty pleasure? Doing the NYT Crossword daily now, not just Sundays. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Architect. What is at the top of your bucket list? Visiting Alaska.
What was your first paying job? Private piano teacher starting at age 14. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Chicken Run. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? A large archive photo of the Hollywood Bowl in the 1940's. What’s the best advice you received in your career? A music degree is a furniture-moving degree. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? The iPhone, for its many helpful apps. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? The birth of our firstborn, my son.
What change would you like to see in the world?
Think of others first. Concern only for oneself is the way our society breaks down.
What message do you want to send out into the world? God's love for the world is the actions we take. Be active in making this world a better place. What mega-trend most excites you? Technological advancement, which has tied us together more globally.
Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? Stephen Sondheim, a musical theatre genius. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? Important legal documents and family memorabilia. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? With family and loved ones, telling them how much they meant to me. What advice would you give your younger self? Think long term. Don't go for cheap options or quick fixes.
Personal motto: Be light and love to all you meet. We make the world better, or not, by our actions. Favorite quote: "Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity!" (Hanlon's Razor). Desired epitaph: A life well-lived.
