1. What was your first job and what did it teach you?

My first job was a cashier at Kroger. It was a great experience and my first exposure to providing customer service. I learned a lot about the impact you can have with a smile and being friendly. It was a good opportunity to learn about what you can do to make people’s experiences enjoyable. For me, that's translated directly to what I do today, as we're focused on customer service at Qualtrax. The customers’ experiences are critical to us and we put a big focus on how we improve quality of life through our software.

2. Can you name a person who has had a significant impact on your leadership style?

I've had the opportunity to work with so many great people that have influenced my leadership. My parents set a great example of what it looks like to take responsibility and set your path on good principles and values in life. As I've moved into my professional career again, there are so many folks that I've learned from, but I'd say at the top of that list are Marty Muscatello and Tim Lawson. These two individuals helped me have the confidence that I could be a CEO and take the reins at Qualtrax. The importance of strong core values and surrounding yourself with the best people is something that both of them taught me.

3. How do you encourage creative thinking within Qualtrax?

I love this question because “Create Something Great” is one of our core values at Qualtrax. I think creativity comes from having empowered teams and giving them the time and space to be creative. We put a lot of emphasis at Qualtrax on giving teams that time and space to improve upon what they're doing, whether that’s coming up with new ideas for what our software could do, or how the way people work day-to-day could be different. Our team has initiated book clubs that they run as well as Agile workshops. We’ve had all kinds of book clubs from the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People to Man’s Search for Meaning.

4. What led you to want to become a Region 2 council member?

I was really excited to be asked to be a part of the council. I was very aware of GO Virginia in our region, but it wasn't on my radar that it might be something that I could participate in. To be invited was definitely an honor and an opportunity to be a part of an organization that's making a big difference in the region. Seeing GO Virginia fund initiatives around innovation and jobs in this area is important to me, especially as someone who grew up in this region. To be a part of a much larger effort is very exciting and rewarding.

5. How is your role as CEO of Qualtrax similar to your role as a GO Virginia council member?

As a CEO, your team is depending on you to make the best decisions you can to generate the best outcomes for the team and for your customers. With GO Virginia, our role is very similar in that the region is looking to us to put our dollars to work in the best way possible.

6. What is your favorite part of being on the GO Virginia Region 2 Council?

Getting to look at proposals for innovation in the region, helping to evaluate those and ultimately looking to push them forward, I think is my favorite part. Just in my short time as part of GO Virginia, we've been funding some really great projects and initiatives. To be part of that decision-making process is very exciting.

7. Is there anything that surprised you when you first stepped into your role as a council member?

It was inspiring to see leaders from different backgrounds come together to think strategically about our region's needs. They’re very passionate and they bring different perspectives to the table. GO Virginia is a take-action group and that's been so inspiring to see.

8. Is there anything GO Virginia has planned that you are looking forward to in particular?

There are lots of great projects that have just been funded, so I’m looking forward to seeing what comes of those and what new opportunities arise. I was very impressed with how Go Virginia quickly pivoted during the pandemic to put our dollars to work to fund initiatives to help with innovation around COVID testing and supporting industry during this difficult time. I know we were all excited to see the U.S. Department of Commerce award a grant of nearly $1 million to the Valleys Innovation Council (VIC) and its Regional Accelerator and Mentoring Program (RAMP) this past week. Knowing those dollars are going to our GO Virginia region to help with startup acceleration and that GO Virginia was involved in helping with some of the proposal writing and will provide some of the matching resources and support is a huge win for Region 2.

9. What’s one professional skill you’re currently working on?

I've always said being a good communicator is the key to happiness, both personally and professionally. I think it's a skill that you never fully master because you're always learning how to be better at listening, understanding others, and sharing your message in a way that people can receive it. I'm always looking to learn from my team, from other leaders, and from my family: What are the best ways to communicate and inspire others?

10. Which season is your favorite and why?

Fall is my favorite. If you live here in the New River or Roanoke Valley area, it's such a beautiful time of year. We hike a lot as a family. All things pumpkin are great. And I’m a Hokie, so I think anytime everything’s orange and maroon is a good time.