Birthday: December 23, 1950
My Journey with Thrive
I first heard about Thrive in the early stages of its conception. Margaret (my wife) and I had reconnected with Dale and Linda around our common interest in sailing. About that time Dale and Linda had both made significant life changes in order to follow their vision of building a social enterprise and a charity which could end extreme poverty in Africa and the world. We remained in contact with Dale and Linda when Dale became a director of the Forerunner Project which we founded in 2003.
Recently, I felt we should offer to help Thrive in whatever way needed. I currently serve on the Board of Directors as chairman. I am very excited to have the opportunity to serve in what I believe to be an important, effective, strategic and compassionate ministry to the poorest of poors.
What is your favourite vegetable?
Tomates – big beefstakes on rye with lots of mayo.
What is your greatest achievement?
The word “greatest” is not in my vocabulary, however, I started and ran two successful businesses which I later sold. I started The Forerunner Project with the help of my wife, which has researched and developed teaching around a type of motivation (Forerunner) which is responsible for the majority of innovation and creativity in the world. We hope to support, encourage and teach Forerunners (innovators and change makers) how to make positive change in the world.
If you could visit anywhere in the world you’ve never been, where would you go?
Australia and /or New Zealand – I like the people. All the Aussies and Kiwis I have met are ‘forerunner” types that tell it like it is. These countries are rugged and the people are like their land.
What is your favourite quote?
I have so many quotes in my “collection” because I did a radio program that ended each show with a quote. I have become a bit of a quote junkie. I couldn’t decide which one to pick, but finally I decided on these two:
“It is not how much we do, but how much love we put in the doing. It is not how much we give, but how much love we put in the giving.”
— Mother Teresa
I couldn’t just stop at one: Mark Twain said what others couldn’t or wouldn’t say in a way that only he could say it – with humor and wit. Here is one of my favorites from Mr. Twain:
“If you don’t read the newspapers you are uninformed, but if you read the newspapers you are misinformed!”
I have found that to be pretty accurate having worked in the media most of my life.
What is your favourite family tradition?
Singing happy birthday badly or sometimes kind of OK (depending on my mood) for everyone who has a birthday.
What are your hobbies/interests?
I am a passionate drummer and music lover with a preference for jazz. I like to spend my spare time playing music with friends or practising and playing my drums. We (Margaret and I) also enjoy entertaining and attending live music events.