Why did you decide to get involved with Unicorn Children’s Foundation?

I believe we all have an obligation and responsibility to give back to our communities…especially our children..and especially those with special needs.  I have an autistic nephew so the Unicorn Children’s Foundation strikes a heart string very close to home.

What part of Unicorn Children’s Foundation do you get most excited about?

The opportunity to grow and expand the organization and its services and outreach..to build upon the wonderful foundation that has been established by those caring individuals that started this organization.

What do you see in the future for Unicorn Children’s Foundation?

The establishment of a local school serving the needs of our community where all students can learn to the best of their ability…a school that  complements all of the other services provided by Unicorn.

What is your profession?  What company do you work for and what is your position?

I am proud to say I am a banker of over 26 years in Palm Beach County, the past 22 in Boca Raton.  I currently hold the position of SVP-Private Client Advisor with U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management.

How would you describe yourself?

I believe I am a committed and dedicated individual.  I am a team player but like to be the captain of the team.  I try to stay optimistic yet balanced.

Please share something about yourself that others may not know.

I grew up in a small town in northern West Virginia along the Ohio River, population 4000, and moved to South Florida in 1985.

What is the most important thing you have learned over the years?

Life is a marathon, not a sprint…a journey, not a destination full of ups and downs and thrills, and chills and some spills.

Do you have a motto, or some words of wisdom, that has guided you through your life? 

The harder you work and the more you persevere, the luckier you get.

What is your proudest personal accomplishment?

Many, I have been blessed.

What is your vision and hope for the future?

Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it….my hope for the future is that we work smartly and cooperatively through these current economic and political times and that our memories grow longer and we don’t make the same mistakes.

What do you still hope to accomplish?

I hope to continue to make a positive impact with the clients I serve, the teams I work with, the organizations where I volunteer, and of course with my friends and family.

What is something your parents taught you that you will never forget?

Knowledge and education are critical to success and to always do your best.

How do you stay so motivated and committed?

I remind myself that If it was easy, everyone would be doing  so I try to stay focused on the positive outcomes of the endeavors at hand.

Is there a special “aha” moment in your life when you knew “I get it now!”?

Life should be a series of “aha” moments, because once you think “I get it now”, “it” changes and someone else is getting the new “it” and you are wondering where “it” went!  You must keep learning, growing, and developing while still always maintaining your values, principles, and integrity.

What are you most disciplined about?

Trying to be the best role model I can be, especially for my children.

What is a moment you will never forget?

Too many to count.  I have been very blessed.

Who is the most interesting person you have ever met?

that I actually ever met….Blake Mycoskie, founder of TOMS shoes.  When you buy a pair of his shoes, he gives a pair away to a child in need.  A unique story of an entrepreneur running a business and sharing his success with others.

What are your favorite leisure time activities or hobbies? 

Tennis and relaxing with my family.

Is there an inspirational book you have read that you would recommend to others?

John Adams by David McCullough

If you were going to be on a Space Shuttle for about a year, what one item would you have to take with you?

A device that would connect me to ESPN

What would you still like to learn how to do? 

Ball Room Dance

How do we get our young people more interested in charitable giving and community volunteering?

Lead by example.

What would you like to see happen in our world, let’s say, five years from now?

Common sense is established as the new prevailing attitude of society.

What can we personally do to make things better for future generations?

Stop entitling our children…love them, nurture them, and protect them…but most importantly teach them to think and learn and exert their best efforts.