Cover Story
The Prior File
Smart Business San Diego | July 2009
Born: Dayton, Ohio
Education: B.S. in finance, The Ohio State University; Master’s degree, finance, San Diego State University
First job: Working in a lumberyard at age 16
What is the best business lesson
you’ve learned?
You need to keep things simple. Give people about three different points to absorb. If you do any more than that, they’ll stop listening.
What traits or skills are essential for a business leader?
You really need to understand your business. You really need to have financial acumen, along with passion and adaptability. You also really need to be a strong communicator.
What is your definition of success?
My definition is out-competing. We’re always looking for a scoreboard to keep track of how we’re doing, whether it’s profit-related, share-price-related or something else. But ultimately, you’re looking at your ability to become more profitable than your competition and ways to improve that ability.
