Age: 33
Occupation: President and CEO – Circle Computer Resources Inc.
What are your greatest professional achievements: Ask me in 40 years!
Who are your mentors: Mike, Pat and Chris Kelly (founders, Circle Computer Resources), and Frank Russell (founder, CEO and president, Prosition in Des Moines).
Best advice you ever received: Never stop growing.
How do you ensure a balance between work and your personal life: I have my priorities taped to my wallet and I remind myself everyday what is most important. Number one is God, number two is Emily my wife, number three is Oliver my son, number four is my health, number five is the rest of my family, and number six is CCR.
What do you know now that you wish you had known earlier in your career: Limitations start with my perspective. The best way I can illustrate is when you open Google Earth, you see the earth as a tennis ball, and then you zoom into your pin or address. People typically start at the wrong end – starting where they’re at now – as opposed to taking a step back and looking at things as a whole. You should start much larger and dream.
What would most people be surprised to learn about you: I have 10 brothers and sisters and so does my wife.
What’s something people should know about your generation in the workplace: Hours don’t equal results! It was 18-hour days back when I started, where literally you’re in at seven and leave at midnight. Over time, I’ve found myself working a more normal 45-50 hours, instead of 80-90, and now the results are greater than they were then. Focus on the result, not on the activity.
