What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your job and why?
At JFG, I have the amazing opportunity to work with businesses in almost any industry, from restaurants, to retail, to metal casting, and even real estate. The most rewarding aspect of my job is supporting clients in each of their respective industries. I enjoy witnessing how our partnership helps them achieve their goals. Due to the wide range of industries I support, the goals of each client are different. Some want to own the building they’ve rented for years, while others need to upgrade to a newer and larger machine so they can boost revenue and/or reduce labor costs. While it’s rewarding, it can also be challenging to support such a diverse set of clients. As with everything in life, change is constant. Inevitably, once I have a solid grasp on a business or industry, something changes (e.g., COVID-19). However, I enjoy learning and growing my skillset to help my clients face any potential business challenges or market changes.
Who do you look up to or admire in business and why?
Someone I admire greatly for her dedication to better the community in Dane County and beyond is Renee Moe, president and CEO of United Way of Dane County. She’s been committed to this work at UWDC for over 20 years, and recently helped raise and distribute more than $1.5 million to COVID-19 relief. Renee is also on the front lines in the fight for racial equality and is a leading advocate for equal opportunity. She’s earned many well-deserved honors over the years, including the Wisconsin Women of Color Network Power of Unity and YWCA Woman of Distinction. If you haven’t heard her story, please reach out to her because I know I won’t do it justice. I’m inspired by her positivity, excitement, passion, and dedication to her mission. I aspire to be as positive, kind, and impactful as Renee someday.
(Less serious answer: I’m inspired by the fictional character Johnny Rose from Schitt’s Creek, author of Fast Forward to Success. Fast forward to that last question for more on this answer.)
What has been the high point of your career so far?
This! Being recognized as Professional of the Week by the most well-respected business periodical in the region.
In all seriousness, it was the experience of a lifetime working beside many of my clients through the PPP application process and very soon through the forgiveness of those loans. I believe all professionals are tested in a major way at some point in their career; more senior bankers have had many tests including the 2001 and 2008 recessions. This was my test. What we have experienced in the past few months is unprecedented. Not only in regard to COVID-19 being declared a pandemic and many businesses being forced to drastically change how they operate, but also observing bipartisanship resulting in a relief package being created and approved within a week! The quick turnaround also meant lots of modifications/clarifications, including finalizing the application the night before they started accepting them. I’m grateful to have amazing clients because if it were not for their intelligence, patience, and organization, I don’t think we could have made it through as smoothly as we did. By working through the challenge of businesses being shut down or limited and navigating the PPP loan process, I’ve grown closer to my clients than ever.
Thinking back on your career, what advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
At that time, I was coaching a high school volleyball team while nearing graduation at UW–Oshkosh. I would often tell my players, “If you’re not uncomfortable, you’re not growing.” Little did I know back then, I’d be giving myself the same advice over a decade later. It’s an old adage I’ve come to truly appreciate. That phrase is universal because it can be applied to everyone and in almost any situation. Athletes and business professionals alike need to push their limits if they want to improve their respective talents. Individuals and society as a whole will not grow unless they choose to put themselves in uncomfortable situations. It’s easier to stick to what you know but you likely won’t reap the same benefits had you pushed yourself beyond the ordinary.
What would you say are the best things about living and working in Dane County?
I love how diverse and unique Dane County is. If you go for a long run or bike ride around Madison, you can experience countless neighborhoods that have their own individual feel. You’ll see public vegetable gardens — and beer gardens — along the bike path near Olbrich, a skyline of newer buildings stretching down East Wash, the buzzing Capitol Square, and the university. Down Monroe Street you’ll even find a full country club — Nakoma — and the beautiful arboretum. People from all walks of life find their way to Madison because it offers something for everyone. One of the things I enjoy most in life is meeting new people and hearing their stories.
Do you have any secret talents or abilities that people would be surprised to discover?
I can say at least a few words or phrases in seven languages, and it’s not just different versions of “Cheers!” — although, that comes in handy, too. I’ve been lucky enough to have traveled internationally a number of times. My first two European trips were when I was 12 and 19 years old; both times I was able to join the UW volleyball team on their international competition tours (perks of being the coach’s kid). Since then I’ve traveled to Europe two more times, along with a few trips to Central America. Before I travel anywhere, I make it a point to learn a few key phrases and words in the native language. While I can’t hold a fluid conversation with the locals, this at least helps me make a better connection and can really come in handy when my wife is travel hangry and we get lost walking to dinner (not that this has ever happened …).
What are your guilty pleasures?
With many of us spending more time at home than ever these days, I don’t think I’m alone in binging streaming TV shows! This can range anywhere from documentaries to hilarious comedies like Schitt’s Creek. My wife and I were a little late to the game on this one — as was the case with Lost and Game of Thrones — but it has made quarantine almost bearable. In my answer to question No. 2, I eluded to my admiration for the character Johnny Rose, of Schitt’s Creek. No spoilers, but he was a successful businessman who lost it all and had to move to a motel in a small town — Schitt’s Creek. Before the financial troubles, Johnny wrote a book, Fast Forward to Success, detailing how to succeed in business. Over six seasons the entire family learns the value of seeing and appreciating people for who they are. Sadly, we recently finished the series; who has a recommendation for my next binge?
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