I live in the Dallas area with my beautiful wife, two daughters, and one little son. I’m passionate about the work I do in operations and love finding more efficient solutions and creating processes!
How did you get started in your career?
I went to college at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. Upon graduating I managed an e-commerce jewelry business. While at this role I realized I had a passion for operations, processes, and driving projects forward. Over the years I have worked in both operations and project management and have also founded my own businesses.
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
Brother Lawrence, a 17th century monk whose teachings are collected in the book The Practice of the Presence of God. He is well known for his simple message of living a humble life and aspiring to live continually aware of the love and presence of God.
What is the best part of your job?
I love being on the ground floor in a business. While it can be challenging, it’s also exciting! I love finding solutions to the many challenges of building our department. We have a fantastic team, and it’s truly a pleasure to work with everyone here at Finotta.
What are you passionate about?
Some of my passions include mountain biking, audiobooks, reading, being in nature, and eating good sushi!
What is the most challenging part of your job?
As we build our department, we must always anticipate the future and its benefits and challenges. It’s not always easy to forecast the needs of tomorrow but essential for startups to do.
How do you think we can improve positive work cultures in the fintech industry?
We should always strive to see and value our employees as people first. When you understand that people who feel genuinely cared for and valued work harder, are more loyal, and produce the best results, it’s easy to see that a positive work culture is key to long-term success. Fear and control stifle creativity and are poor ways of managing.
What advice would you give someone who is starting their career in your field?
Realize your strengths and your weaknesses and zero in on your strengths. Don’t try to do everything. Discover your career-related desires and use your passion to move you forward. Desire is always the most powerful motivator. Find friends and mentors who can help speak into your life and help you identify your blindspots.
What resources would you recommend?
Relationships are by far the most valuable resource. Invest your time and energy into meaningful relationships, and understand that you will go much farther together than you can alone. Focus on finding your tribe of people, for as you find your people, you’ll find your destiny.
What are some rules you live by?
Integrity is everything. I hold myself to always be honest and truthful even in the small details of life.
