What is your vision for Knoxville 10 years from now?

A community that is compelling for all people, offers economically rewarding jobs, is emotionally and spiritually fulfilling, and has sustainable business, employment, educational, and social opportunities that nurture and nourish residents and visitors.

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

The broad variety of social and recreational activities.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

Collaborate more. Encourage more collaboration. Increase the resources — including the amount of capital — available for young and small businesses.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

Boomsday, many years ago, on a cloudless night, with my entire family (wife and four small children at the time) on a boat, with our friends (a couple with two small children), anchored in the Tennessee River upstream from the Henley Bridge. Watching the fireworks, perfectly timed to synchronized music.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

The Greatest Miracle in the World – Og Mandino

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

“Don’t expect everyone in the world to think like you do and to make decisions like you do” – Robert Smith

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

Don’t have a girlfriend in high school and appreciate/cherish time with childhood friends…and take calculus before you get to college.