Describe yourself in three words. Husband, dad, lucky.
What book has had the greatest impact on you? “Letters from a Stoic” by Lucius Annaeus Seneca.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A doctor or a soccer player.
What famous person would you most like to meet? Tom Hanks.
What is your favorite part of your job? Working in the commercial real estate industry allows me the opportunity to work with a variety of people. I learn what others want to accomplish and use my real estate knowledge to help them achieve their goals. The best part of my job is working with someone excited about a new business venture. Going through the lease, purchase or development process with them and finally handing over the keys is the greatest feeling. It could be a startup salon looking to lease its first space, or an established business needing to construct a new building; it’s the enthusiasm and excitement that makes it so great for me. For them, it is more than just a building or a piece of land — it’s a new beginning to a dream coming to life. That is the greatest reward.
What do you love most about Fort Wayne? Fort Wayne has a deep history with well established businesses and families. At the same time, it welcomes new residents and encourages future families and businesses. It connects the old with the new, with people and places which make it feel like home.
What was your first job? Working for my dad at Culligan Water. I started by cleaning the office and mowing the lawn, and eventually started working in the warehouse.
What is your dream job? To be a professional soccer player.
What is your biggest pet peeve? When people stop at the end of an escalator when there are others right behind them.
Do you have a motto you live by? If so, what is it? “Everything in moderation.”
What would you choose as your last meal? Pizza with a side of ranch.
What three items would you want with you if you were stranded on a desert island (other than food and water)? A fishing pole, surfboard and drums. I figure I should learn something new while I’m stranded and will have plenty of time on my hands.
Who would you like to see perform in concert? The Foo Fighters.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go? Alaska or Australia.
What does your workout regimen consist of? Chasing our three little boys around the house every day. I also run the neighborhood once every three months.
If you could solve one major problem, what would it be? Mental health issues.
Where will you go on your next vacation? Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park.
What’s your biggest fear? Losing my wife and kids.
What is the best gift you have ever been given? My wife, Beth.
What skill would you like to master? Playing the drums.
Who was your first celebrity crush? Jennifer Love Hewitt.
What was the last gift you gave someone? Shoes.
What is the strangest thing you’ve ever eaten? Bullfrog legs.
What would you do with your 15 minutes of fame? Dance and smile.
What is the most productive time of day for you? The morning.
If you could send a message to the entire world, what would you say in 30 seconds? I’d steal something I saw in a Lou Holtz speech, which basically says, “Keep life simple.” Do what is right, do everything to the best of your ability and show people you care. If you make the choice to do those things, then everything will work out.
What moment in your life would you most like to go back and relive?
The past few years have been really great. My wife and I have a four-year old, three-year old and almost two-year old. They make us laugh and are always full of energy. It’s awesome to see them grow and learn, and they challenge us to grow and learn as well. Over the same period of time, my business partner and I have successfully grown, and continue to grow, a commercial real estate business — Xplor Commercial Real Estate. We are lucky to have a hardworking, engaged and amazing team around us. Xplor has completed many projects with several exciting projects lined up in the near future. I consider myself very lucky.
In what city did you grow up? The wonderful city of Fort Wayne, Indiana.
What is the first movie you ever saw in a theater? The first I can remember are “Hook” and “Home Alone.”
What do you actually do at your job? Buy, sell, lease, develop and manage commercial real estate.
If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to cast as you? Paul Rudd.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party (living, dead, famous, real or fictional)? I would have my family, friends (past and present), Harry Potter, Dave Mathews, Rihanna, Mitch Hedberg, Robin Williams, Jack Black, Jesus, Tina Fey, Pelé, Henry Ford, Michelangelo, Alf, Wes Anderson and the entire cast of “The Royal Tenenbaums,” Dave Grohl, Dave Klein, Nicki Minaj, the cast of Cocomelon (for my kids), Jason Lee, Biz Markie, a few Jedis, A.C. Slater and Screech, and Leslie Mann. I’m not sure who would show, but I’d hope for a big turnout.
What profession would you never try? A chimney sweep.
Name one person who has inspired you in your life. Grandpa Jack.
If you hosted a talk show, who would be your first guest? American comedian Larry David.
What is one important skill you think everyone should have? Relatability.
What age do you wish you could permanently be and why? High school and college-age are pretty great because you are basically an adult, but don’t have the responsibility or self-awareness yet.
If you received enough money to never need to work again, what would you spend your time doing? After purchasing a beach house, I’d probably spend two or three months doing nothing. I’d then start reading and learn a new skill.
When was the last time you tried something new? I recently built a retaining wall with my father-in-law.
What gets you excited and driven to achieve? My family and the people around me.
If you could know the answer to one of life’s mysteries, which mystery would you choose? Do aliens exist?
What trait or habit in yourself do you deplore? I procrastinate and avoid conflict.
Do you have any guilty pleasures? What are they? My wife’s monster cookies!
What is something that never fails to make you laugh? “Seinfeld.”
