1. What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your job and why?
There’s a lot of volatility nowadays in custom software development and agile business services. The key is how to build that offering along with growing a company. It can be a delicate balance and is often front of mind. Second to that is strengthening our brand to ensure that we are considered a trusted partner and thought leaders in the business community. We can do that well if we hire the right people that complement our company culture and are great with clients. This is extremely important for Centare.
2. Who do you look up to or admire in business and why?
I admire people like Dave Glyzewski, the founder and former president and CEO of Centare. Dave showed me what a business must do to be successful: maintain a good balance between caring for your people and delivering great service to your customers.
Business magnate, philanthropist, and founder of Virgin Airways Richard Branson is another key influence. A quote of his sticks with me — “It’s impossible for them, but not for you.”
Before former U.S. President Harry Truman was in high office, he failed, narrowly avoiding bankruptcy before going into politics. His story taught me that the only thing preventing success is you. Take risks. If you don’t make it, try again.
3. What has been the high point of your career so far?
Twenty years ago when I started in IT I envisioned myself one day working for a great company and being an integral part of its leadership. It’s incredibly rewarding to achieve something that you set out to accomplish so many years ago.
4. Thinking back on your career, what advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
Early in my career I was the prototypical software developer. I thought the main goal in my career was to work on cool things, make a lot of money, and work hard to reach the next level. I really didn’t value the professional relationships I was making along the way, and didn’t realize how critical they could be to a successful career.
Here’s a short list of things that I would tell my younger self:
- Interact with people. Build and nuture professional relationships.
- Never stop learning. Try something you’ve never done before.
- Don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves and help with a solution.
- Don’t ask someone to do something that you wouldn’t do yourself.
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5. What would you say are the best things about living and working in Dane County?
Madison has a great feel to it — incredibly vibrant and energetic. It’s an interesting mix being so close to the center of state government and a major university. There are a number of situations where people young and old are together, talking about ideas, and sharing experiences. I love great food and Madison has it covered, from the more traditional fare to variety of unique options. I can eat Mexican cuisine one day and Nepalese the next.
6. Do you have any secret talents or abilities that people would be surprised to discover?
My kids say that I should have done voice acting for cartoons. It’s a bit embarrassing, but I do enjoy impersonating characters such as Goofy, Bugs Bunny, and The Brain.
I am a technology nut. I like putting things together. Right now I’m focused on helping my friends and family set up their home networks and entertainment systems.
When you have a large family with six children there is no shortage of broken things. I have this innate ability to fix problems related to plumbing, electrical, carpentry, mechanics, or computers. I only need to see it once. I don’t have a “photographic” memory, but I can recall diagrams, numbers, algorithms, and formulas with ease — even if I haven’t seen it or used it in years. I remember numbers and recall them with little effort, even months after the fact.
An avid foodie, I also am skilled at barbecue, or so people tell me. I typically barbecue at least once a week, even during the winter months. Two of my favorites? Pulled pork and Texas-style brisket.
7. What are your guilty pleasures?
Bacon! Our first house was located close to a factory that produced bacon. Before that point we didn’t eat that much of it. Since then, well, let’s just say that I eat my fair share.
I love Kettle brand Spicy Thai Potato Chips. I can’t resist them. As a general rule, I don’t buy them any more because I can’t eat just one.
I like to get up early in the morning before anyone else is awake. Enjoying the sunrise with a nice hot cup of coffee and reading a great sci-fi novel — there is nothing else like it. Spending this quiet time in the morning is a great kick-starter to help me get on with the rest of my day.
I’m also a sucker for science documentaries, especially PBS’s Nova.
And while it’s a presidential election year, I am always up on politics. All of the positioning and the verbal and mental gymnastics involved between candidates and the issues keep it interesting.
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