Can you tell us a little bit about your professional background?
Before joining CMC, I have been fortunate to work in a myriad of different industries over the past 20+ years, all of which offered unique opportunities for me to grow personally and professionally. Most recently, I was Area Vice President for SAC Wireless, a Nokia company. At SAC, I was responsible for the construction division of the company, leading Self-Perform Construction Crews across the United States. Our team was responsible for building and maintaining cell towers for the major wireless carriers (TMO, ATT, VZW, etc.).
Regardless of the different industries in which I’ve worked, and with a degree in Education, I always try to lead with an approach of helping to develop people. My successes have been the result of being a member of some really extraordinary teams. I have been fortunate to work alongside very talented people, from whom I have been able to learn and grow. I believe that is the true measure of a leader and I try to emulate that always.
What interests you the most about CMC and its vision and values?
I strongly believe that, in addition to the people, a company’s values, mission and vision are critically important. That’s one of the biggest things that attracted me to CMC! Our focus on a sustainable future for both our planet and the people who inhabit it is important work. Doing it the right way, with high, positive energy while remaining humble, is paramount! I am excited to be a part of a group of folks who understand that and make it their mission.
What do you do with your free time?
I enjoy live entertainment and the performing arts. Concerts are my favorite things to do when I have time. I typically go to ~20 concerts a year, and I try to go to Nashville at least three times a year for all the live music it has to offer. I am a big sports fanatic and coach amateur baseball. I just finished my 20th season coaching baseball. I’m also an avid horse racing enthusiast and am part of an ownership group with 14 horses in our stable, currently. I really enjoy getting outside and I try to walk at least five miles a day and typically walk the lakefront early Sunday mornings…gotta get my steps in!
Do you have any hidden talents you’d like to share?
Sticking with my theme of enjoying performing arts, When I have the time, I try to get involved in acting/improv workshops and have performed with improv groups. When I was younger, magic intrigued me to the point where I studied/practiced it. Today, I still like to pull out a deck of cards and do a few card tricks leaving people bewildered with the frequent question: “How’d you do that?!?!” My answer is always the same: “It’s magic, of course!” Besides, you don’t really want to know, that would only ruin the mystique!
As a sports crazy company, what teams do you support?
HUGE, HUGE, HUGE, Michigan football and Duke basketball fan for my entire life. I went to the same high school as Coach Krzyzewski, the former Duke University basketball coach. I always back the Military Academies (Army, Navy and Air Force). When it comes down to it though, GO ARMY, BEAT NAVY! I was born and raised within walking distance of Wrigley Field and as such, I LOVE the Cubs – as tough as that can be at times. Being from Chicago, I naturally root for the Blackhawks and the Bears, although I’m not a huge NFL fan.