The founder and CEO of Pantera, and longtime industry professional talks guitars, the importance of listening and learning, and the best blackberry brandy he has ever had.
What is the most cherished item in your home office?
That is a tough one. I cannot decide among one of the four guitars I have in there (none of which I play very well) or my massage chair.
What is your favorite time to get things done?
I am a morning person. I probably do more in the first two hours of the morning than I do the rest of the day.
What is the soundtrack that plays in the background of your office?
I work in a quiet environment. Lately I have been spending too much time keeping up with the ever changing current events.
What does a typical work day look like?
Taking scheduled calls and meetings, managing work issues, and dealing with customer requests.
How are you staying connected with your team? Customers?
I am in constant contact with my key people and customers via phone and email. I have been using Zoom quite a bit lately, too.
What is the craziest thing that has ever happened to you on a job site?
I have been on a lot of job sites over the years in many different positions, so I have a lot of stories. The one that comes to mind was my first day on the job many years ago as a pipe welder during the construction of a nuclear power plant. It was 10 degrees in the building and it was 7 a.m.
My foreman walked me over to a five-ring high scaffold that was tented at the top and said, “Go on up, your crew is waiting for you.” I was a very shaky climb to the top, where I opened the tent, grabbed a hand and got pulled in. I was immediately handed a pint of blackberry brandy and told to have drink. Times have sure changed.
Name the band you cannot take off your playlist.
Currently, it is The Moody Blues.
What are you binge watching right now?
Just caught up with “Better Call Saul.”
Favorite comfort food.
Probably a good old cheeseburger. I like veggie burgers, too, though.
Best advice you ever received?
Find a mentor.
Biggest influence in your life?
My stepfather and my two uncles.
What trait do you most admire?
Hard work and perseverance. Intelligence and common sense are a close second.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Stop being such an asshole. Or, shut up, listen and learn.
What is the first thing you are going to do when you are able to get back to some sense of normalcy?
Go on a vacation to an island and refresh my dive certification. I am going to play a few rounds of golf, too.