What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your job and why?
I work strictly with small businesses in the community and I love being “the guy on the inside” who can offer them help and support when it comes to making the right decision for business-class services. It is an honor being the local face representing such a large brand. Most businesses are apprehensive when it comes to switching from their current provider. That can prove to be the most challenging aspect of my job, overcoming objections. However, a lot of times they are overpaying and may be stuck with lengthy contracts. I like to make the transition process painless and simple. I also work with a lot of new businesses and builds and enjoy getting construction projects going to bring service to places that have never had us before. Helping others in my community is important to me and the most rewarding part of my job. My goal is to help our business community thrive and save money on monthly expenses.
Who do you look up to or admire in business and why?
I look up to my father when it comes to business. To him, it’s not always about getting the best deal but about making it right for everyone involved. He always gets the job done. When people give him a reason he can’t do something, he spins it. “This is why you can’t” always becomes “This is HOW you can.” His abilities are vast and he can come up with a solution to any problem. He also owns several rental properties and always does what’s right for his tenants. He has a background in everything from auto mechanics to real estate. He is such a personable guy and he can figure out and close the most unique of business deals. I admire my father the most because he is always working hard. He makes the most out of his days, is creative, and truly has a vision for a diamond in the rough. His drive is unbelievable and I learned from him at a very young age that the passion you put into your projects will carry you to your goal.
What has been the high point of your career so far?
The most important thing you can get out of a career is the ability to help someone else. Life is about the connections you make with people, so if I can figure out a way to help others every day, I am living the high point of my career that day. This year, my wife and I were the 2020 Madison Heart Ball chairs for the American Heart Association. Our son was born in 2018 with a congenital heart defect and had to have heart surgery at just 11 days old. We knew we wanted to do something to help other kids like him. As chairs, we helped to assemble an Executive Leadership Team, get sponsorships, and raise a significant amount of money to fund medical research done right here in our community. The connections I made through work helped us in our endeavor. I took the opportunity to speak about what we were doing for the AHA at various networking events and I could not believe the amount of support I was given by so many wonderful business professionals. Helping charities in our community has led to the most impactful moments in my life.
Thinking back on your career, what advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
“Here’s to growing up. You finished your teen years and entered your 20s fully intending to conquer New York City, become a ‘working’ actor, make money, survive on your own, and make friends. You will do all of that. Sometimes you will actually get paid to act — not a lot, but it will be something. As your get older and into your 30s, things will change. Your goals, career path, and dreams will change. That’s OK. The best advice I can give you is to not stress, not lose sleep, and not lose faith in yourself. The road will be tough and sure, there will be obstacles. Every lesson along the way is important. It will mold you into a better person and create a successful business professional who will fall in love, move to the middle of the country, establish an exceptional life, and raise a family.”
I could warn myself about the real estate crash in 2008, or to buy up Amazon stock, and even invest in Bitcoin, but where would the fun be in that. The most important message would be to stay positive, stay powerful, be impactful, and, most importantly, be kind others.
What would you say are the best things about living and working in Dane County?
The people. This is the most generous and giving community I’ve ever lived in. My wife and I donate a lot of time to local charities and the people really define what it is to be selfless, kind, and true to the Midwest ideal. We lift each other up and help each other thrive. We are such a forward-thinking, forward-moving group, and it is truly amazing to see all of the accomplishments here. Dane County also has something for everyone. Phenomenal food, culture, sports, landscape — and, of course, beer. The work-life-family balance is key. I couldn’t think of a better place to set down roots and raise children. Dane County is a special place.
Do you have any secret talents or abilities that people would be surprised to discover?
I spent 10 years in New York City acting for film and TV, but my wife calls me a jack of all trades. We’ve remodeled two homes together and she thinks I’m pretty handy. I can fix almost anything in the house or on the cars. I like to build new things or refinish old things. I am also a pretty decent photographer, snowboarder, father, and Freemason. One of my best talents is connecting with others. I truly enjoy meeting new people and connecting people who might help one another personally or in business. I guess my skill set can be labeled as a Swiss Army knife; I have many talents that I use often and some I will only use on occasion.
What are your guilty pleasures?
One of my favorite guilty pleasures is sitting by a fire, with a glass of 10- or 12-year scotch in my hand, and a nice cigar. I have some wonderful memories of sitting with close friends in New York City, reminiscing about life, or camping with my wife and staring at the stars with scotch and cigar in hand. I always think about how old the whiskey is and where I was in my life at the year it was being made, so I can reflect on that time it took to be aged. The best memories are made when you take the time to pause, reflect, and build relationships.
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