Q: What do you do to get your head right?
A: Every morning I count my blessings and say a quick prayer thanking God for this unique opportunity to not only run my own business but to more importantly lead a team that is putting Good News in our community. This gets me fired up every morning. And of course a cup of strong coffee too!
Q: What’s your worst Tommy Boy moment?
A: Wow, where do I start? My most memorable one happened in my first week. I had inherited a magazine in my community and during a meeting with an HVAC company, I presented the January 2020 hard copy in my presentation. The meeting ran flawlessly (nervous of course), then, I decided to go “off script” a bit. I opened my mouth and said, “In fact, that company right across the street has been in the magazine for the past three years.” He proceeded to flip through the January edition, but they were not in there. I was beet red in the face. As it turns out, they had done a 36-month and decided not to renew. Bottom line, stick to the script until you feel more comfortable. Also, make sure you do your homework and prepare before you go in. It was definitely a lesson learned.
Q: What do you enjoy the most about being in a leadership role?
A: Helping us crusade for good and positive media to reach more homes across this country. Our mainstream news is negative and devoid of hope. There are good people out there doing amazing work in His name. I want to use my new role to help grow the company, recruit and start new magazines, so we can all help turn this tide to shine His light at a time where it’s needed more than ever.
Q: Tell us something goofy about yourself.
A: If you ask my wife and two daughters (I live in a house of only girls), they would say everything is “goofy” about me. I think they are laughing at me and not with me on most occasions. We have three dogs and three cats; I like to try to talk in different voices that I think match their personalities. I’m fairly good at it and usually get a pretty good reaction from them with snarky remarks from my teenage daughters, but I know they like it.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: Besides going to Alaska or Hawaii, seeing the Foo Fighters in concert is also on my list. In high school during the 90’s, I loved the Seattle grunge rock scene. One of my favorite bands that came out of that era is Foo Fighters. I loved Nirvana especially since the lead singer of Foo Fighters was their drummer. I saw Foo Fighters about 25 years ago in a very small venue after their first album. They are on my bucket list to see again now that they are now in the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame.
Q: What’s your favorite prayer?
A: Hail Mary
Q: What is your go-to fast food joint?
A: McDonald’s. They are consistent. I like consistency.
Q: If you were a scented candle, what scent would you be?
A: Anything with vanilla in it.