1. What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your job and why?
The most rewarding aspects are certainly watching our players make strides and develop from a young age into successful high school or college players. We have had the last five state “Players of the Year” come from GRB. It’s pretty cool to remember where they started at age 9 or 10, and then where they finish at 17 or 18 years old before college.
The most challenging is probably creating our team side of the business. Some players have to be let go from the program, and in the competitive world of baseball players are always getting better or not getting better.
2. Who do you look up to or admire in business and why?
I am not sure I can name just one person. I think I am really in tune to paying attention and learning from the successful business owners who walk in the door at GRB. All of them certainly have traits I want to incorporate into myself as a businessperson and some have things that I would do differently. However, a trait that I always am fascinated by is the ability for those to be outside the box and innovative in whatever area they are in.
3. What has been the high point of your career so far?
Making the transition from professional athlete to business owner is something I am very proud of. One of the high points in my mind is the amount of players we have helped get to the collegiate level. One hundred thirty-five since 2011, which is really a large number. Ninety-three of those 135 went to scholarship schools. Two draft picks to Major League Baseball, with a large amount coming in the next few years. Those numbers do not lie; they help measure the success of our trainers, who really work hard.
4. Thinking back on your career, what advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
Take a deep breath, think before you react, and throw more curveballs when you are behind in the count.
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5. What would you say are the best things about living and working in Dane County?
I think Madison is a really great place. Growing up in northern Wisconsin, I never pictured myself here. It certainly offers you some nice pieces of what people love about living in cities, with a smaller feel and access to water and the outdoors. It’s a great mix.
6. Do you have any secret talents or abilities that people would be surprised to discover?
Cooking. I love to do it, and I sport a mean breakfast/brunch game in the kitchen. Chicken Chorizo with a black bean, red pepper, parsnip hash, thrown on a toasted naan, covered with cilantro, avocado, Sriracha, and two sunny side up eggs probably is the winner in my mind.
7. What are your guilty pleasures?
House of Cards on Netflix. I may have stayed home from work last year on the release date of House of Cards and watched the full season from start to finish without leaving my couch except to answer the door for the pizza guy. I’m basically counting down the days until the new season releases.
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