Home: Beaverton, OR. Birthplace: Anaheim, CA. Profession: Athletic footwear and apparel. Significant other: Angela Fingal. Alma mater: San Diego State University (B.S.); University of Georgia (MBA).
Current project: Consulting to evaluate opportunities in the athletic/sporting goods industry as well as the art and science of product creation. Latest accomplishment: Initiating and leading an Entrepreneur Club at my youngest’s middle school. Paying it forward! What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Leaving a tremendously successful career at Intel to move into the sports industry at Nike. Follow your passions! Hobbies: Pick a sport. Anything outdoors. Coaching. Recent travel or adventure: Meeting family in Moab, Utah for an epic trip of sightseeing, hiking, and stargazing. More recently, back to the best in all of California: San Diego.
What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Coach. Moral compass: The Golden Rule. What is your greatest joy? Aside from my family, helping individuals achieve their “breakthrough moment” and participating in team success. What is your guilty pleasure? Donuts. They are my kryptonite. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Architects and engineers, often the brains that help translate an innovative idea into reality. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Adventures over things, all day! I love to try and to see new things, travel to new cultures and explore. What is at the top of your bucket list? Australia and New Zealand with the family (although one of those over-the-water bungalows in the South Pacific doesn’t look too shabby either). What is your go-to workout? Hit the gym or play hoops with friends.
What was your first paying job? Working for my dad at his construction company. What was your favorite college course? Modern European History. I loved my business courses, but learning about how intertwined European countries are was especially fascinating. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Green Machine (put the Big Wheel to shame). What movie have you repeatedly watched? Rudy. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Be present in the moment. Today’s translation: put the phone completely away when you’re speaking to someone. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Don’t get consumed by what can’t be done; rather, focus your efforts on what CAN be done. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? The electric vehicle. I’m fascinated by the prospect of revolutionizing transportation.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field?
On a mission to accelerate sustainable product at cost parity. Make it so consumers don’t have a reason not to choose sustainable options.
What change would you like to see in the world? More “we”, less “you”. What message do you want to send out into the world? Assume positive intent in people, and search for commonalities that can help make us all better.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Winning Together. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? First, my mom. The next night, Nelson Mandela (he may not have been perfect, but to endure what he did and still have the grace to ultimately bring people together was amazing). After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? Family photos (and, of course, the dog!). What advice would you give your younger self? Let loose more.
Personal motto: Fingals Don’t Flop! Favorite quote: “Luck is the residue of design and execution” (Wesley Branch Rickey).
