INTERVIEW
How has System Automation changed since you started your career?
Accounting and business applications were very narrow in scope and lacked the functionality
that most businesses needed to make them as effective as they should be. The growth in the
industry was phenomenal. This was a double edged sword in that the new
functionality was great, but the learning curve for my customers and reliability
of the software was a challenge that had to be worked out. Through
quality control and customer proficiency, I have been able to install much more
functional and effective systems.
What have been your three greatest successes to date?
My first and most treasured success is my college education which allowed me to
get started in my profession with a Big 5 accounting firm. The next greatest success
was getting the opportunity to work with Itron International to put together
their accounting system and integrate it with corporate. The last is the work I
performed at Greenstone Homes. With their trust and my culminated ability,
we were able to accomplish a system implementation that few, if any builder has
ever accomplished. On a personal note, I am very proud of getting my two
oldest children into Boston College, although they did almost all the work.
Have you ever made a mistake that changed the way you do things?
Many times. Making mistakes is a great opportunity to learn and grow. Ultimately,
mistakes are part of having valuable experience.
What was the best piece of business advice you ever received?
I've received a lot of great advice, but the most important is this... "Its all about relationships".
What do you do to relax?
Road Biking. Short of getting a flat tire, the fresh air, exercise, new scenery
and summer breeze is invigorating. After a project is done, I love to celebrate
by going out to a nice dinner.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be help my father run his building material business. I
figured the best way to do this was to go to college and get a degree in
accounting.
If you could meet anyone, who would it be?
That would have to be Nikola Tesla.
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