What piece of advice do you wish someone had given you at the start of your career?
Take advantage of opportunities to gain experience and do not worry about pay. The money will come.
Who are your biggest influences and people you admire and why?
George Washington Carver — born a slave, he overcame all circumstances to get an education, help farmers with crop rotation and develop peanut butter. He contributed to society in a very significant way despite the adversary and circumstances of his birth.
Name a person who helped you along the way?
I have been helped but a lot of people, but the one that sticks out the most to me is Tom Dickinson, a board member and personal friend. I needed $50K for inventory and Tom was at my door that night with a check without strings or conditions.
What do you see as your greatest success in life, so far?
My greatest success is my children. I have a boy and a girl, both graduated from college, both are married and both are on their way to contributing to our society in very positive ways. I am very proud of them. Secondly, I love seeing team members here a BetterBody Foods grow and develop personally and professionally.
What book would you recommend and why?
Hands down, “Good to Great” by Jim Collins.
What’s a personal self-talk, mantra, affirmation or self-belief that contributes
Fist, I have realized that I am very blessed and am grateful for all that I have and the country that I live in. I have traveled a lot, and to be honest, the current political environment disturbs me. Second, I have learned to say: “it is never as good nor as bad as it seems” and just keep moving forward!
