The following content was produced by the Lewis Economic Development Council, which publishes a special section in The Chronicle monthly.
Q: How long have you been a member of the Lewis Economic Development Council?
A: I’ve been a member for four short years.
Q: Why did you join LEDC?
A: The LEDC is full of community and business leaders that take an active approach to the growth of Lewis County; people that aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and make positive growth for our beautiful county. I couldn’t wait to get in the same room as those individuals and learn from them. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve made.
Q: Why do you support the LEDC?
A: I believe in Lewis County. Plain and simple. I love the county that I grew up in, and what the future is looking like for the next generation.
Q: What are your favorite programs performed by the LEDC?
A: The small business expansion and outreach has to be the most fulfilling for me. Large corporations get a lot of glory when they choose our community, but I personally love seeing and hearing about a business expanding and choosing to stay in Lewis County. Just today I heard about a company needing a larger commercial space, and it wasn’t even a question of if they were going to stay in our community but where they could move to.
Q: Why should someone join the EDC?
A: A tide lifts all ships. That is correct even in a county that doesn’t touch salt water! Our commitment to recruiting new companies, retaining the unique talent in our county and helping expand existing businesses means that when one of us succeeds, we all succeed. I can’t think of a more cohesive organization that operates in everyone’s best interests.
Q: What is a key for the success of your business?
A: Putting your client first. Every time. Plain and simple. I’ve found that being honest with people about what things cost will only bring more business. Don’t try to hide anything.
Q: What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
A: I’ve enjoyed being able to use the skills and knowledge I’ve gained being self-employed for the last decade to actually help grow and sustain the very county that raised me.
Q: What do you love most about the financial planning industry?
A: I enjoy people. Everyone has a unique story. Everyone has a unique direction. Being able to help people save and build for differing goals through their life is one of the most fulfilling ways I could envision a career.
Q: How do you define success?
A: The ability to make a meaningful and measurable difference in the world around me.
Q: Who inspires you?
A: Vocationally? Warren Buffett and Jim O’Shaughnessy. Avocational, Trevor Robertson of Iron Bark fame and the late Larry Pardey.
Q: If you could choose anyone as a mentor, who would you choose?
A: I’ve been fortunate in life to seek out advice from anyone who I feel has something to teach me. I’ve found that nearly everyone wants to share what they know, if asked. If I find someone who I want to learn from, I’ll usually offer to buy them lunch or a beer.
Q: What’s the last book you read?
A: “Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage.” I might have gone on an arctic exploration kick over the last six months.
Q: What’s the first concert you ever attended?
A: Jimmy Buffett. Promise I’m not 65.
Q: What is your favorite meal?
A: Beef Stroganoff.
Q: What do you do for pleasure outside of running your business?
A: Spending time on the water. Either fishing, crewing on a racing sailboat, or just anchored in a secret bay on my much slower but very comfortable sailboat.
Q: What is the favorite car you have ever owned?
A: It’s a toss-up between a 1985 Land Cruiser or a 1969 MG BGT. Both put a smile on my face.
Q: What is something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
A: While I was in college, I worked as a semi-professional sailor. One delivery I was bringing a sailboat back from West Vancouver by myself and a thru hull fitting popped out of the boat. Stepping down into ankle deep water didn’t make my day. But I was able to readjust and stop the boat from sinking.
