How many years have you worked in Phoenix and how many years total in your industry?
I have worked in Phoenix since 1997, after graduating from the University of Arizona. I have been in my industry since then, too, for 22 years.
What’s the most important trait of a good leader?
In a word, humility. A good leader must clearly understand that it is not about them. Their role is 100% about the people they serve. A good leader must be 100% focused on helping those they lead to a place they cannot get to on their own.
What are you like to work for?
I believe I provide an open, trusting, vulnerable, supportive and positive environment that empowers those I lead to growing both personally and professionally.
What accomplishment has meant the most to you in your career?
The most meaningful achievement in my career is when 1/3 of our employees chose to get tattoos of our company logo. Having team members believe that our company has made a positive impact in their life that they would want to express it through a permanent Vantage tattoo is unbelievably meaningful and humbling.
What’s the best professional advice you’ve received, and who was it from?
The best professional advice I have received was from my dad. He is a doctor, and he told me, “I love my job and get compensated very highly for the work I do, but I am required to be at work to make money. My advice is to find a career where you can make money even when you are not at work. Own a business, not a job.” I became an entrepreneur.
What business lesson did you have to learn the hard way?
Never try to save money on any legal matters with attorneys. Don’t get an attorney friend to review a document to save money, and remember that every agreement is negotiable. As a young entrepreneur, I never had “legal expenses” as part of my company’s budget. I had never been sued and felt since I did good business that there wasn’t a reason to expect otherwise. Boy, was I wrong?
What’s a business book you would recommend?
“Dysfunctions of a Team,” by Patrick Lencioni.
What’s the one piece of advice you would offer to the next generation of business leaders?
No level of business success in life compensates for failure in the home.
If you could sit down with any business leader for coffee, who would it be, and why?
Richard Branson because I admire the zeal he demonstrates for living life to the fullest. Not only has he reached the highest level of success in wealth, business, philanthropy, and family, but he has had a tremendous amount of fun doing it. I would love to chat with him about his energy, sense of adventure, and commitment to live boldly.