Q: First, tell us a little about yourself–where you live, your family, and how long you’ve been at DE.
A: I live in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. My wife, Kris, and I are empty nesters and have been married 31 years as of November 20th. I retired in 2010 from UPS (Business Development), having spent 34 years within the Air Cargo industry. I learned I no longer wanted to work in a corporate environment and looked forward to independent sales.
I then became an Mfg Rep. and did automation with Ag Retail chem/fert plants for 6 years. Then for 5 years I sold to cities and counties within Iowa and SE Minnesota until I finally combined DE with Mfg Rep sales. WestSide Cedar Rapids Neighbors went to print in November 2019 and October ’24 was the 60th issue.
Q: What do you love most about working at DE?
A: Putting Catholic information into the hands of our community of the combined four churches. I consistently receive praise from church members, no matter which of the four church’s I meet members from.
Q: What movie or book do you know the most quotes from?
A: Movie? “I’ve read that book…your conclusions were all wrong.” The Russian submarine captain in Search for Red October.
As for quoting from a book, I’ve learned to quote Scripture over the years that tie directly to the matter at hand.
Q: What’s the best gift you’ve ever given or been given?
A: Within a few minutes after an accident my father and I were in when I was 17, I leaned there truly are angels among us.
Q: What’s your favorite way to unwind after a hard day?
A: Reading. Lately, I read updates regarding the Great Awakening, therefore avoiding regular mainstream publications.
Q: Who’s the funniest person in your family?
A: Our 24 year old son. Of course, I am biased. His comments that quickly seize the moment usually bring laughter regardless of the situation.
Q: What’s the furthest place you’ve ever traveled to?
A: Between my Junior and Senior year at Iowa State, I had fun experiencing traveling and studying throughout Europe for 2 1/2 months. The 8 credits were not pass/fail unfortunately, and on purpose I didn’t ace it.
Q: What’s the best thing you’ve got going on in your life at the moment?
A: Becoming a granddad, and realizing, maybe it’s time to grow up, but not old.
Q: What advice would you give to someone new in the business?
A: Write every down. Date stamp every contact in a daily, hour by hour journal. Today’s rejection is tomorrow’s next sale and probably new friend.