What are the most critical skills you bring to your work?
I’m not afraid to have tough conversations. I have done — or can do — every job function within the company, which has given me perspective on our employees and their challenges and the goals they want to achieve. I’m not opposed or unwilling to get in the trenches and do what needs to be done, whether that’s making deliveries, answering the phone, facilitating signings, or doing workups. And I have an ability to understand numbers and how they impact our operation. After 26 years in this industry, I can analyze trends and predict where the market is going.
How do you define success, personally and professionally?
Personally, contentment and happiness are one and the same for me. If my work is taken care of and I’m at home, I’m happy — and vice versa. That life balance comes from knowing my family is provided for monetarily, emotionally, and physically. Professionally, my goals have changed over time. I used to concentrate on my individual success, but my role has grown into developing a workplace that is safe and happy and thankful. I enjoy working for a company that is growing and profitable and keeps me on my toes. The title I hold is not nearly as important as the challenge it presents.
Outside of work, what skills or talents do you have that might surprise people?
My wife will tell you that I have a mind filled with movie lines. If I see a movie once, those lines are stuck in there forever. I also love two activities that allow my brain to shut off: golf and glass blowing. Both require intense focus and concentration and allow me to see problems and opportunities from different angles. It’s very rewarding to focus like that.
What are some causes you care about?
I’m the 2021 chairman of the Boise Valley Economic Partnership board. BVEP is fundamentally aligned to have the most impact on the Treasure Valley when it comes to business and expanding into Idaho. We have so much national attention on what we’re doing well, and BVEP does an excellent job of presenting that to companies when they’re trying to relocate.
My wife and I are also devoted to education — education is the most fundamental goal of society. It’s especially important for vulnerable children. Homelessness and underfed and under sheltered children don’t get to choose their situations, so we support organizations like Family Advocates and CATCH that help them regain their footing.