Where did you grow up and what was your childhood like? Did you have any particular experiences/stories that shaped your adult life?

I grew up in the south side of Chicago in an area called Beverly (technically Beverly Hills. It had the name before California). It was a great place to grow up in many respects. Though, I will say that I was Jewish and the area was mostly Irish Catholic and that was often a challenge. I think leaving Chicago for summer camp made a huge difference for me. I really learned to appreciate and respect nature and the environment and to experience things most city kids just don’t get to do. I also learned more cooperation and teamwork while gaining a sense of independence as well as accomplishment without a parent to do everything for me.

What is something you wish you would’ve realized earlier in your life?

How unpredictably life changes.

What are bad recommendations you hear in your profession or area of expertise?

Almost all rules of thumb about planning drive me nuts. Every single person is different and there is no secret formula for planning success except vigorous personalization

Tell me about one of the darker periods you’ve experienced in life. How you came out of it and what you learned from it?

Have had a number of dramatic setbacks and upheavals: My father’s sudden death (by suicide), business break-ups, sued by a friend. Not much stops me from going on and I haven’t been jaded or become less trusting. I am who I am to the core and have come to like myself.

What is one thing that you do that you feel has been the biggest contributor to your success so far?

I have a thirst for knowledge. I strive to do better constantly. I don’t get derailed easily. I don’t burn bridges. And I stay in integrity, even at my own expense. I believe in abundance and willingly share with others

What is your morning routine?

I generally wake at 4:30-5:00 AM, exercise for thirty to forty-five minutes, shower, meditate and try to be at my desk by 7:00 AM. I write in my gratitude journal, listen to 30 minutes of something educational and clear away overnight email traffic so I can focus on the day

What habit or behavior that you have pursued for a few years has most improved your life?

I have been a lifetime exerciser and find that it keeps me energized and clears my head more than anything. Learning to meditate but is slow going for me

What are your strategies for being productive and using your time most efficiently?

Back enrolled in Strategic Coach and will work my way into that time system. Need some Who’s in my life to take some of the load off of me doing too much. Right now, I’m very productive and love what I do. There are just certain tasks that I hate and want to offload.

What book(s) have influenced your life the most? Why?

While I’m an avid reader and have read most of the classics, a lot of Shakespeare, and read a book a week, I can’t say that any book has influenced me greatly. Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People coupled with the Dale Carnegie training is likely responsible for getting me comfortable in front of a room. That’s certainly has made a difference.

Do you have any quotes you live by or think of often?

“Better an hour early than five minutes late”. I think it is courteous to be on time and to finish tasks when agreed to.