Age: 32
Occupation: General Manager, McGrath Family of Dealerships
What’s the best advice you ever received: With every decision, obstacle, or challenge, you have the “power to choose.” Even if you don’t have the ability in certain situations to change the outcome, you have the power to choose how you are going to respond. Nothing can take that away.
What do you consider your greatest professional accomplishments: Being a part of the acquisition/growth of the Hiawatha location. In the last four years, we’ve nearly tripled our sales volume, which in turn (and most importantly) increased employment opportunities at that location from 77 to 154.
What would most people be surprised to learn about you: I absolutely despise public speaking and being in front of people. It’s a fear I have to conquer every day – although the more I do it, the easier it seems to get.
What do you know now that you wish you had known earlier in your career: You don’t have to be 100 percent ready for every opportunity that comes your way – being a “rookie” has its benefits. Take the nerves that come with the unknown and channel it into hard work, curiosity and fearlessness.
How do you ensure a balance between work and your personal life: Schedule it! I try to build personal and family time into my calendar and then make it a priority – as if it were an important work meeting that I would not miss.
If you had $1 million to give, what causes would you support: I would divide it up between multiple organizations that support our local youth. From the Ronald McDonald house, Iowa Children’s Museum, the Boys and Girls Club, to Pediatric Cancer Research and support for the NICU.
Who are your local mentors: Pat McGrath, father and owner of McGrath Automotive Group, and Lura McBride, COO at Van Meter Inc.
