| What is your most memorable childhood experience? | My grandparents live far away, and every summer I would fly to visit them for a few weeks either with my mom and brother, or by myself. One of my favorite parts of the trips was the airplane ride, especially when I would go alone. Back then, my mom would be able to walk me to the airplane and my grandfather would be waiting for me at the arrival gate. There was something about the three hours or so being in the air alone - reading, coloring, being waited on by the flight attendants. I think the solo flights are part of the reason I have had such a good time traveling as an adult, especially alone. I have taken solo trips to Europe, India and Central America. |
| What immediate family member do you closely identify with and why? | My father (don't tell my mom). My dad has been my coach, teacher, friend, and still is my golf partner, drinking buddy and best friend. He is the reason I have my great beard. He is the one who told me your wife always deserves to have fresh flowers. He is soft-spoken but he always hears. He is the first person I looked for after I got a hit or scored a touchdown, just looking for the nod of approval, knowing I would get one even if I failed. He is the best man I have ever met and I hope that I can live up to the man he is. |
| What character traits do you admire in an individual? | First is honesty. Honesty crosses over to all aspects of your life - family, friends, professional. Being honest lets you know exactly where you stand with people. It keeps lines of communication open and helps relationships grow into much more. Along with honesty, being trustworthy is very important. Being someone that people can count on is just as important as being honest. They are very fragile traits and can be lost in the blink of an eye. Knowing that, it is important to always treat people with respect and you will get the same in return. |
| What is the funniest thing ever to happen to you? | Some years ago, I was in New Orleans for Jazz Fest with a friend. We met some new friends at the pool where we were staying. After spending a few hours at the pool everyone was starting to go their own way. I asked one of the girls if she wanted to go out to dinner on Bourbon Street that night before going out. She said sure, but to stop by a "party" first before we went out. When my friend and I show up at the party, it turns out it is for the girl I am going out to dinner with. The girl I met - who told me her name was Katie - was actually a famous singer! We didn't end up going on a date, but rather spent the night at her party, then went and partied on Bourbon Street all night! |
| If time and money were not an issue, where would you travel and why? | I would go east and not stop until I made it all the way back. I would leave from NYC and stop at Ireland, then London. After taking in the history there, I would be on to mainland Europe, starting in the north and working my way down through Germany and Switzerland, then head to the French coast. Work my way down to Italy and Mediterranean Sea. From there head to Egypt. From there a quick stop in southern India, then Thailand. After a quick weekend in Japan, I would spend a month traveling around Australia and New Zealand. I would end my trip with working my way down the west coast of California, ending with my feet in the sand. |
| When and if you ever have children, what would you like to pass on to them? | A nice big smile and a full, thick head of hair! If I was to have a child, I would hope they have my sense of humor and easygoing outlook on life. The combination of these two things has helped me get to where I am today, both personally and professionally. I also hope they have my athletic gene. |
