I love acoustic guitar and playing at a professional level would be amazing. I’ve played on and off over the years and I’ve demonstrated no natural talent for guitar.
Anything in the bread family, including pizza.
My brother and I mowed lawns in the Bay Area with a push mower and hand clippers to buy and collect baseball card packs for $0.25. We could buy one pack each for every lawn and I still have a large collection from the 1970s.
“The best view comes after the hardest climb”. I always say this to myself during my cycling adventures.
Most people don’t realize that my son is adopted. We’ve been so changed by this experience that I’m very driven to help other children find homes. I am deeply involved with Lilliput Families and Wayfinder Family Services, and I currently serve on their Boards.
Anyone holding a baby!
Organization and Time Management
“Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another.” John C. Maxwell
The ability to sleep less than 3 hours and still function.
How far I have come in an industry that I knew nothing about.
My wife. She picks me up when I am down and forces me to see the “forest from the trees.”
I would be a professional fishing guide.
World cultures.
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Diversify your skillset.
Gummy bears!
I always defined success as being considered an expert in your field.
I like, “It is better to be silent and thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.” That was one of my Dad’s favorites.
Conan O’Brien
I would have been a lawyer… I actually thought about doing that when I was about 50.
Humor.
Better to make a decision and apologize later than to not make decisions at all. You can’t be afraid to take a stance.
For the greater Sacramento area and any town that I’ve visited: Recommendations of what to see, do, and eat to have a fabulous time. I’ve been to all 50 states and love discovering what there is to discover that makes each place special.
French Literature. If it’s not Victor Hugo, I miss it on Jeopardy.
Always be willing to take on a new challenge and make it your own.
Parking. I have a sixth sense about when people are going to leave and where great parking spaces will be available. This is offset by my nemesis, lines. Don’t ever stand behind me in a line.
One of my newest favorites comes from Rosalynn Carter: “A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.”
I once got first place in an amateur bull riding competition!
How to raise chickens.
When you set a goal, develop an action plan, and accomplish it.
Richard Branson… that guy seems to live a charmed life
The first thing I can remember buying with my own money was a giant card for my dad on Father’s Day. After that, it was probably candy.
My sister. She is an actual rocket scientist and a national and international champion race car driver. She is likely the coolest, smartest, nicest person I know.
Pick any quarterback or coach in the NFL.
That I chose it. Or didn’t, as the case was. More that it’s what I wandered into between “real” jobs and just kept going.
Coffee. I’ve tried. There were carnage and collateral damage.
You can’t do it all—so know why you do what you do and understand when to put your back into something.