Vision and Humility

Some might call it morbid, but I think about my funeral from time to time.  A few things I know for sure about my funeral, I want James Spader to deliver my eulogy (not write it, just deliver it) and I want tears.  Tears because people are laughing so hard remembering some of the great times, but right behind those, tears of sorrow too.  Since I've been young, my hope is that one day, people who've never even met me will care that I'm gone.  Not to feed my ego, but because I've made a tangible difference in people's lives.  

That's what led me to want to be involved in public policy since before I even really understood what the career meant.  The idea that I could make a positive mark on the world has driven me since a young age.  Now as a father, the reality of this is even more stark.  I left "public service," in 2008, but came to a job that still feels like I am doing good for people in our state.  Our mission at the Detroit Regional Chamber is to "power the economy of Southeast Michigan."  When we do our job right it is to the benefit of millions of Detroiters.  

So I understand the narcissism of starting a website dedicated to myself.  However, I am proud of the work I've done and recognize that it isn't just my own.  Please note that this site started as a project to compile some of the media appearances I've done over the last several years in one place.  As I started to put it together, I thought it would be a good place to encapsulate my career and provide a central location to point to when having to describe it.  I will be the first to tell you that the successes I have had professionally and personally are a reflection of work of countless individuals who pushed, pulled, guided, mentored and directed me.  I am only as good as those I've been surrounded with, and I've been fortunate to have had many take a chance and put their faith in me.