Where were you born & raised and what does
life look like now?
I was born in Frankfurt, Germany where I lived
for 2 years. My father was a Captain in the
Army and was responsible for keeping tanks
and trucks in good working order. Then we
moved to Cupertino, California where I grew
up surrounded by Apple computer, IBM, HP
and Tandem employees. When I was 18 I
moved to San Luis Obispo to go to college
and get my Bachelors degree in Industrial
Technology. I started a family and stayed
there for a total of 17 years. I've been
married for 22 years to my wife Jen and we
have two sons: Ryan, 19 and Austin, 17.
What are your hobbies & favorite sport?
Memorabilia, Legos and basketball
Where did you play college basketball?
I played 2 years of Junior College
basketball in California as a 29 and 30
year old after getting my degree at Cal
Poly 7 years earlier. I also had
opportunities to play pro basketball
overseas in Belgium and the Netherlands,
but did not pursue it due to my career in
Property Management.
Who is the most famous person you've
ever met?
Toby Keith, Jack Lalanne, Fabio, Mr. T
What is your favorite food & drink?
Filet or Pork ribs & Sweet Tea, Crown & Coke
Who is your favorite sports team?
The one I’m on or the one that’s winning
What is your favorite music?
80’s (Journey, Chicago, Billy Joel)
What are your favorite movies and
TV Shows?
Movies: Rudy, Mr. Holland's Opus,
We are Marshall
TV Shows: Gilligan’s Island, Oak Island,
NetFlix binging
Favorite athlete of all time?
Michael Jordan. He brought a tremendous amount of creativity
and passion to the game and most everyone wanted to see
what feats he accomplished even if they were not a basketball
fan. I also love the Jessie Owens story. How amazing to compete
at a high level in an arena with doubters and haters and still
come out on top.
Favorite things to do in Colorado?
I love sitting along side a river or stream and just listening to
the water go by. Waterton Canyon is one of my favorite places.
www.aamdhq.org
Who has had the most influence in your life?
My grandfather. He was a child of the Great
Depression and as such, he was very frugal and
looked for multiple ways to solve a problem. From
there he would choose the best option for the
situation. More often than not it was the cheapest
solution, but likely took a great deal of time. I
remember going to the garage and trying to find a
matching bolt and nut from the two cans of random
nuts and bolts he found on walks or in the
warehouses he worked in. It took forever, but it was
free. Other times it was not the cheapest solution, but
might result in a quicker outcome.
He also taught me the importance of networking.
He always seemed to have a neighbor that was good
at a trait and could help with a specific situation and
in turn he was always there for them when they
needed help with their AC or heater. He also taught
me how to succeed and be happy with less while
working hard to achieve more.
What is the most fun you've had in your
professional life?
Due diligence on a D property in Dallas. White water
rafting in an innertube.
How Would You Describe Your Management Style?
Collaborative & Coaching
What is Your Primary Goal as AAMD President?
To survive – to create opportunities for increased
participation and strengthening the association
leadership
Who in the apartment business taught you the most?
My first boss was the general manager of the
dormitory where I lived as a college student and later
ran as my first job. He taught me the importance of
doing what’s right, never making a situation personal,
treating people with kindness and dignity and always
being beyond reproach.
I try to use those principles in everything I am a part of.
If you weren't working in the apartment (or related)
industry, what would you be doing?
Working with special needs children because it gives
me great joy to provide for others, whether that is
information from my experiences, a helping hand or
emotional support. I was fortunately allowed the
privilege of working with special needs children as a
4th-6th grader as a result of having good grades.
They were always so happy to see me and would clap
and walk with me. Simple gestures in the schoolyard
like sharing, participating or providing a smile created
moments for them similar to pulling a baseball rookie
card for me. I quickly learned they were giving me
more than I was likely giving to them. No matter what
my day looks like or how bad it might be going,
a smile always makes people feel better.
JULY 2018
TRENDS | 21