CVE CORNER
- sion statement align with the key fundamentals, best practices, and core philosophies used in leading and serving the Bridge View Center and community of Ottumwa.
Many CVE candidates have found some of the steps in the CVE process to be demanding and challenging. Did you find this to be so? Would you encourage others in the industry to pursue their own designation? Why?
designation within our industry and our association, and I was expecting this would be a commitment, take some time, and a process. I would not necessarily say it was too demanding, but rather it’s a commitment. If you commit to the process and take the time needed, then you will the CVE designation is well worth the investment of your time. It’s a great sense of pride and accomplishment. Knowing I successfully met all the requirements of the CVE Board and earning the CVE designa- tion was a great personal accomplishment for me. I’m proud to be a CVE because I love our industry, and for me, it’s an acknowledgement of my commitment to serve and to be the best for my current employer, VenuWorks, our venue, and my community.
What is the one thing that most people would be surprised to learn about you?
pheasant hunting. There’s nothing better or more relaxing than tak- just before sunset when the lake is quiet and you see and hear nature all around you – the loons in northern Minnesota and the mature bald eagles hunting for food.
The people who are working in our facilities are its greatest as- sets. What are your managing philosophies regarding your em- ployees?
My core philosophy in management of our team members consists of two key values. First and foremost – The Golden Rule - Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. The Golden Rule is the founda- tion of leading people. It’s about respect, understanding, listening, em- to follow you if you cannot follow The Golden Rule. It’s all about our attitude – if we have a positive attitude with good intentions I believe this starts to create an environment and culture of teamwork and building on the strengths each team member is able to bring to our venue and our team. I honestly believe people do not wake up in the morning with the attitude that I don’t care about my life, my job, etc., and I’m going to show up today to do a bad job, purposely work slow, and not be focused on daily tasks. Let’s focus on the good in people and work to strengthen and develop the inherit good traits and characteristics of the diverse work force and team we have.
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How would you respond to those that are qualified to enter the CVE process when they say that they do not have the time, that they do not perceive value in it or that they are hesitant for fear of failure?
I’ve been wanting to earn my CVE for a few years now, and there was another year. We’re all busy, especially in our business where many of us are working nights, weekends, and some holidays. There will be time. If you personally commit to the process, the time is found. The pride and sense of accomplishment you will have in successfully achieving all four parts of the CVE process will be well worth your time, a great value, and is a great personal achievement. In order to achieve success, at times we may fail. The fear of failure will limit our success. I personally believe if you commit to the process and take the needed time, you will not fail and successfully achieve your CVE. However, if for some reason that may not happen, I will guarantee you will still learn a lot about yourself and our industry in going through this process. You truly cannot really fail.
What are you reading and listening to right now?
I’m not a big book reader. I like to read and enjoy keeping up on our industry trends by reading our trade magazines – Facility Manager and Venues Now. Will also try to keep up on some entertainment news thru Amplify, Billboard, and Pollstar. I listen to what my three younger children would like to listen to on the radio. When my children are in the car, they control the radio.
What is the best advice anyone has ever given to you in any area, personally, or in a business sense? Do you have an inspiration, quote, or motto that best represents your way of life?
My grandfather and dad owned and operated a small business in Fort Dodge, Iowa – a hobby craft shop. I remember working in the store from a very young age, starting around 10 or so. Both my grandfather and my dad installed two key values – if you’re going to do something, then do it right and commit to it 100%, and always take care of the customer, we are here to serve them. “A customer is the most important visitor on our premises. He is not dependent on us. We are dependent on him. He is not an interruption in our work; he is the purpose of it. We are not doing him a favor by serving him. He is doing us a favor by giving us the opportunity to serve him.” — Mahatma Gandhi
If you had not chosen a career in venue management, what do you think you would be doing right now?
Great question. I honestly do not know. I cannot see myself doing any- this is a love/hate business and lifestyle – you either are going to get into it and love it and can adapt to the lifestyle or it’s not for you. I hope I’ll have the opportunity to serve this industry for several more years. It is a ensuring you can adapt or blend it into our family life outside of work. I personally would be bored doing anything other than this.
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