My favorite things: My wife's and daughter's laughter and smiles, my family memories
What people might be surprised to learn about you: I have 2000 vinyl record albums covering all types of musical genres, the majority of which are rock.
Favorite thing to do "Off the Clock:" Watching my daughter Kayla perform dance or gymnastics
The last thing I read: John Grisham's Gray Mountain
Guilty pleasure: My daughter helped hook me on Phineas and Ferb cartoons
Favorite quote: "If you see a turtle on top of a fence post, you know he didn't get up there by himself, he had to have some help." – I heard author Alex Haley say this once during a speech and seem to remember he said he was quoting someone else but I have never been able to find another author sited besides Haley.
Favorite movie: Tough question, The Godfather series
Favorite television show: Homeland
Best song on your iPod: (Do people still use iPods?) Something More Than Free by Jason Isbell
I can't live without: Peanut butter
Hardest job you have ever had: Working for a moving and storage company summers during college
Hardest professional lesson you have ever learned: The customer is always right even when they are so wrong.
Most challenging part of your job: Convincing potential ticket buyers that classical music is for everyone to enjoy. The great composers were the pop artists of their time.
Most rewarding part of your job: Applause and ovations for the artists on stage and the smiles on the exiting patrons' faces.
Best advice you've ever received: People support what they help create
Best advice for up and coming business people: Hire people you believe in and let them do their job with your selective guidance
Best advice for achieving work/family life balance: Communicate and listen. I still need lots of practice accomplishing this balance. My wife Kathy models how to give to her family first while keeping her work in focus.
Best job you could have other than this one: Director of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra South (at the beach!)
The advantage of doing business in Springfield: Springfield is an incredibly giving community with a strong arts culture. The symphony is just completing its 72nd season. There is a determination and a renewed sense of pride in where Springfield has been, where it needs to grow and a collaborative effort on how to help get it there.
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