What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your job and why?
My challenge is to find home technology solutions for clients every day in a sea of technology. Some days it’s very easy and the client knows what they want and gets what they want. Some days we have to research to find the solution. That is both fun and challenging. The reward comes when the house is equipped properly, and all things internet and smart work efficiently for the client.
Who do you look up to or admire in business and why?
My father was the reason I started this company. He had a surgery in which his home needed to be smartened for him to remain in it. He was always a healthy individual and always lived without assistance; just like his work ethic — healthy and self-driven. I wanted to create a company that would help that generation live longer successfully in their own homes. With the help of technology, we are able to accomplish that today.
What has been the high point of your career so far?
I’ve only been in business in this industry for a short time. I’ve had a lifetime of passion for the industry but could never figure out where I should end up. My high point thus far is getting clients on my subscription services to retain our knowledge on a yearly basis so they don’t have to fuss with the technology themselves but can rely on a company like Aptus.
Thinking back on your career, what advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
I’ve always admired those who knew what they wanted at that age and have educated themselves to specialize in their interests. I would tell someone to pick something they like and really fine tune their education to foster their own growth. It’s also very helpful to get out and meet as many people as you can, as fast as you can.
What would you say are the best things about living and working in Dane County?
Dane County can “one up” many states in that people around here are not only nice but friendly, too. It’s one of the things that drew my wife and I to the Madison area when we moved here in 2006. The people are the best things about living and working in Dane County and I hope to contribute to that.
Do you have any secret talents or abilities that people would be surprised to discover?
I speak Spanish and for some reason it floors people that I learned it all in high school. I also do some impersonations. In the past, I’ve made a small show out of impersonating celebrities in Spanish. Imagine the Church Lady on SNL speaking Spanish — that’s me!
What are your guilty pleasures?
I do soccer almost all of my free time. My three kids are all heavily involved in soccer, I have been on soccer boards, I coach soccer, I coach futsal, I coach indoor soccer, and I even play soccer once a week at my old age. So, soccer is that pleasure that isn’t really all that guilty.
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