Why did you decide to start your own company? My dad’s practice inspired me to start one of my own. For VDG, it was a matter of timing (middle of a recession) and a desire to have more autonomy over difficult choices.
Where is your favorite vacation destination? Costa Rica
How do you define success? Success is not always winning. It is trying your hardest so when you look back at your effort, you are proud of it. But winning is nice too.
What is your favorite 80s jam? Van Halen’s Panama (maybe not a jam)
What changes have you made to your business strategy over the past few years? Planning for smart growth has been top priority. Together with a business coach, we’ve identified key metrics that well-position us to achieve our goals with intention.
What is your stance on garden gnomes? Don’t currently have any, but now that we have a garden, I may look into them.
Why is workplace culture important? At the core of culture is relationships. More than work and a paycheck, workplace happiness requires a team culture that shows-up as excitement about and dedication to working together for the collective good.
What one lesson would you tell your 18-year-old self? You are stronger than you think you are. Don’t stress over the small things. (well, that’s 2)
If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be? My grandfathers, who passed away before I was born or old enough to remember, would be a cool conversation.
Would you rather fight 1 horse-sized duck or 100 duck-sized horses? Definitely horse-sized duck. Only need one shot. And the 100 small horses reminds me of a Jurassic Park movie.
