Describe yourself in three words: Incredibly lucky guy
In what city did you grow up? I was born in Syracuse, New York, moved to Binghamton, New York, back to Syracuse, then on to Erie, Pennsylvania, Akron, Ohio, Indianapolis, and then finished high school in southeast Michigan, just north of Toledo, Ohio. All that being said, I have been in Fort Wayne since 1985. Longest stay anywhere else was 7 years. Thus, I have adopted Fort Wayne as my hometown.
What is the first movie you ever saw in a theater? I only know this from a story my grandmother told. It was the Sound of Music, and I must have hated it because I behaved so poorly, we had to leave during it!
What is your favorite part of your job? It is the people I am able to meet as part of what I do. I find myself so motivated by all the people who are making things happen at their companies, in the region, etc. It shows me how much more is possible. I end up feeling like I need to do more. It is very energizing.
What do you actually do at your job? Well, if you ask the staff, they will say I do nothing! Really, my job is about charting a strategic path, finding the right folks to lead us, keep communication open and get the heck out of the way.
What do you love most about Fort Wayne? There have been many things over the years that come to mind, but in the end it is this: because of how much I moved around, the idea of being surrounded by family and being part of a community was foreign to me. Fort Wayne has enough going on and enough promise that all three of my grown children have made their way back to town. All my kids, my two daughters in law, and soon to be third and fourth grandchildren will all be in the same place. The last time I lived in a town where more than my immediate family lived was 1965. Additionally, I find myself and my family very involved in various causes, schools, etc.
What was your first job? I was a bus boy at a local restaurant in southeast Michigan. I remember my father waking me up on my 16th birthday, so I could go apply for that job. The restaurant was close enough I could ride my bike or walk, if needed, because I did not have a car.
Who is your hero? My maternal grandfather. He lived an amazing life, did a lot for many people, but was extremely low key about it. I remember the day I became president of Tower Bank (headquartered in the Lincoln Tower). My mom thought it was a good sign because my grandfather was president of Lincoln National Bank in Syracuse, New York.
Do you have a motto you live by? If so, what is it? I have a longer piece that I share with others, but the shorter one is a quote from Lee Iacocca: “Your legacy should be that you made it better than it was when you got it.”
If you had a time machine, where and to what time period would you travel? I only look forward, not backward, so it would be into the future. Probably around 2050 or so. I could see what my kids and grandkids were up to and see how things actually evolved versus what the current thinking is.
What and when was the first concert you attended? It was 1977 in Toledo. Cheap Trick and The Cars.
How often do you exercise? 4 or 5 days a week. I typically have some goal in mind that keeps me focused and motivated. Running a race, swimming or something similar.
What does your workout regimen consist of? It changes, but my favorite ‘regimen’ was several years ago when my daughter was training for the Indy half marathon with me. She was at Ball State at the time, and after every run I would text her how far I went and what the time was. Every single time, I received the exact same reply: “Not impressed.”
What’s one thing you cannot live without? My wife. Sounds sweet, but she is certain that if she left for any long period, she would come home to find me starving and wearing the same clothes as the day she left!
Holiday?
New Year’s Day. I love the whole fresh start, clean sheet of paper approach to the future.
Drink?
Mountain Dew
Downtown locale?
It was the lobby at the Lincoln Tower when Tower Bank was there. It is Parkview Field now.
Fort Wayne feature?
The smallest, big city you can find. Means you get all the benefits of a city, while still being able to make a difference as an individual.
Fast food restaurant?
Lee’s Famous Recipe
Snack?
Potato chips
