Q
Tell me about growing up on the Southern California coast, which seems like kind of a dream world.
A
Honestly, it really is. I had a great upbringing. We had a lake in Mission Viejo. We went to the beach and surfed pretty consistently. We had the mountains, played a lot of sports growing up, kind of an idealistic childhood.
Favorite Vacation Spot: Hawaii (“I like the feel of it. I like the speed. It feels a lot like home, but better in some regards.”)
Favorite Mountain For Skiing: Deer Valley in Park City, Utah (“That’s where I spend a ton of time.”)
Favorite Movies: Spaceballs and Animal House (“Those type of movies, that type of genre, the slapstick-comedy stuff.”)
Favorite Angels Player: Rod Carew (“I just liked the way he dangled his bat.”)
Favorite Musician: “I’m more in this country phase of my life, so the Morgan Wallens, Chris Stapletons of the world are kind of my cup of tea today.”
Favorite Book: “The Jack Reacher books [by Lee Child] are always great.”
Favorite San Clemente Restaurant: South of Nick’s
Favorite Dish At South Of Nicks: Street tacos
Q
Where do you live now?
A
San Clemente, which is the furthest [south] beach community in Orange County, best known for the Western White House for Nixon back in the day. I’ve lived there for about 23 years, with my wife and two kids. It’s been an awesome place.
Q
Who were your childhood heroes?
A
As a big skier growing up, the Mahre brothers, Phil and Steve Mahre. They were two of my big, big idols. I also liked Tom Curren, who was a surfer back in the day. One of my friend’s fathers was a GM of the Angels, so pretty much any player who was on the Angels.
Q
You dreamed of becoming a competitive freestyle skier. Where did that passion come from?
A
I grew up racing giant slalom and slalom. I was good, very good, but there’s a whole ’nother level that exists out there, like there is in every sport.
Q
Where did you ski?
A
I spent a ton of time at Mammoth Mountain, which was five-and-a-half hours away. My dad was an insurance broker, so he had a little bit of a free schedule and did pretty well for himself.
Q
Your father later owned an insurance agency.
A
He ended up striking out with a partner and creating a very nice business. They grew up to about four and a half million dollars in revenue. And then he sold it to his partner and retired at 52, when I was in college. He got bored real quick. By the time I was coming out of college, he came back to me and said, “Hey, I’m going to start another agency. You want to help me do the legwork to get this thing up and going?”
Q
What was it like to work alongside him on a daily basis?
A
Honestly, it was a dream. He was a fantastic mentor, fantastic leader, fantastic man. He’s still alive today, still doing extremely well. He’s just a good person to be around.
Q
What’s the most important business lesson you learned from your father?
A
Always be honest. Just come straightforward with the truth and take the ramifications of whatever that may be.
Q
When he sold his share of the business to you, did he give you any advice?
A
He said the people will always challenge you.
Q
Was he right?
A
Oh yeah. And he said it’s not only from a client perspective, but it’s your internal people, too. So, surround yourself with people you trust. He said the people part of the business is the best part of the business, but it can also be the most challenging part of the business.
Q
What is something your co-workers would be surprised to learn about you?
A
I would say that most of them were surprised that I ski as well as I do. Also, how passionate I am. I think they don’t understand how heavy I take the losses and how much I celebrate their wins.
Q
What three words would your co-workers use to describe your management style?
A
Fair, relaxed, and disciplined.
Q
If you could change one thing about the insurance industry, what would it be?
A
The stuffiness. We have a saying around here: “Your ego is not your amigo.”
Q
What gives you your leader’s edge?
A
I think it’s my risk tolerance, which is kind of counterintuitive. But my risk tolerance is higher than most. There’s no complacency. I’m always driving for the next way to grow the business.
