Significant professional accomplishment: Being an entrepreneur, my most significant accomplishment is the development of an amazing team of professionals that have allowed the company to grow and develop into what it is today — a dynamic holding company with a range of locally celebrated businesses.
Passion project: My work on the University of Southern Maine Foundation Board and on the Portland Parks Conservancy Board speak to my dual passion projects: One, working to transform USM’s Portland campus to help attract and retain students by making it a complete residential campus instead of just a commuter campus; and, two, working with stakeholders and the city to think about urban parks as revenue centers that can support themselves.
Audacious goal: To build a world-renowned hospitality school in Portland that seeks to educate and train hospitality workers with an emphasis on how hospitality training relates to a multitude of industries.
Favorite quote: “Rules are for the obedience of fools and the guidance of wise men.” — Harry Day
Influential book: “Tuesdays with Morrie,” by Mitch Albom
Favorite Movie: “The Big Lebowski”
How do you recharge: Quiet early mornings, summer days on Casco Bay and winter powder days.
