Q
What’s your favorite thing about living in Austin, Texas?
A
I went to the University of Texas, and so I get to be close to all of the college sports, the football games, basketball games. So it’s really fun to be in such proximity to that.
Favorite Vacation Spot: Aspen, Colorado
Favorite Movie: Dumb and Dumber
Favorite Taxes-Based Movie: Friday Night Lights
Favorite Longhorns Football Player: Vince Young
Favorite Musician: “I’m a big Morgan Wallen fan at the moment.”
Favorite Texas Musician: George Strait
Favorite Business Book: Good to Great, by Jim Colins
Favorite Austin Restaurant: Jeffery’s
Favorite Dish At Jeffrey’s: Steak (“Probably a filet, with a nice glass of wine. And maybe scalloped potatoes or Brussels sprouts.”)
Q
Tell me about growing up in Odessa, Texas.
A
We had a great childhood, played lots of sports. It’s an oil and gas town, so pretty much everyone’s involved in the oil and gas industry. Friday Night Lights is based off the Permian Panthers, and so I feel like everything revolved around football and the oil and gas industry.
Q
What was your favorite class in high school?
A
World History. I just love learning about history and all the events that have shaped where we are today. I always thought the World War II era, the 1940s and what led up to that, is fascinating.
Q
Who were your childhood heroes?
A
I played golf, so I was a huge fan of Tiger Woods. I don’t know if he was a hero, but he was definitely the greatest at the time.
Q
What are three things you most love to show visitors to Austin?
A
A lot of people want to go downtown and enjoy the bars and the nightlife. People love to go out on the lake— Lake Austin runs through town. A lot of people come in for sports events, to go see a college football game.
Q
What’s a perfect weekend for you?
A
I’d probably be in the mountains somewhere and just go on a hike or go skiing, depending on what season it is.
Q
Who is the most influential business mentor in your life?
A
My father-in-law, Bill Kliewer. He’s taught me a lot about business, the industry, and what it takes to run a successful business and how to innovate and how to be proactive.
Q
Is there a business leader, in any industry, who you most admire?
A
I know a lot of people have different opinions, but Elon Musk, and what he’s accomplished with his businesses, I think is fascinating.
Q
You’re an avid reader. What are you reading these days?
A
Right now I’m reading The Road Less Traveled [by M. Scott Peck].
Q
How would your co-workers describe your management style?
A
Radically truthful and transparent.
Q
What does that mean?
A
I think it’s just being very straightforward with how we’re performing and what our goals are and what we’re trying to accomplish. And simply addressing any issues or concerns head-on.
Q
If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?
A
The reputation we have with our clients. I think we’re not as valued as the CPA [certified public accountant] or the attorneys that they hire, but I think we’re equally as important for them.
Q
What are the best and most difficult parts of your job?
A
The best part of my job is I get to focus on the purpose, the people, and the process. This is an industry that’s all about the people. It’s all about developing talent. That can be a lot of fun. But that can also be a little bit challenging. Developing people and talent can be extremely challenging. I think there’s a lot of fatigue across the ranks, with where the market is and what we’ve been through.
Q
What gives you your leader’s edge in this industry?
A
Supporting these people that are here to support the clients. And trying to be here and be present and explain to them where we’re going and our vision and how we’re going to accomplish that. And putting them on their own path of professional development and how they can achieve greatness as well.
