Co-Founder & Co-Owner/Operator of Rocket Express Car Wash
What are the most critical skills you bring to your work?
I’m collaborative in my approach to solving most business challenges and complicated problems. We’re not in business to be in business – we’re in business to make profits – so I collaborate with my key employees to gather facts, opinions, ideas, and to perform basic cost/benefit analysis on endless decisions. Collaboration refines ideas in ways I couldn't do alone, and in return, employees feel empowered knowing they made a direct contribution to growing and improving the company.
How do you define success, both personally and professionally?
When I inspire young people to recognize how much they can accomplish if they persevere and seek excellence in all they do. I give praise and encouragement of their skills, talents, and contributions. Personal success is “remembering the important things." Work will always be there, so when I act on what is really important to me or to my family, I'm satisfied that I did the right thing.
Outside of work, what skills and talents do you have that might surprise people?
My hiking excursions now include bird watching and identification. I also play the ukulele, love ballroom dancing with music from the big band era, and amateur photography.
What are some causes you care about?
I support a variety of non-profits through a monthly donation to my church, which provides funds to organizations addressing hunger, domestic violence, housing for needy, clothes for young women, and many individual family needs, as well.
Who do you admire and why?
I really admire Condoleezza Rice because of her amazing intelligence, intellect, self-control, and political achievements internationally and domestically! Not to mention her higher education, which she clearly applies to all she achieves. She is an absolute superstar, and I’m still hoping she might one day run for U.S. President.
- Collaborative
- Empowering
- Inspiring
- Faith