ALMA MATER
I attended The University of Texas for several years, but dropped out to pursue my dream of opening my own retail store.
WHY I LOVE MY JOB
At The Container Store, we’re wild-eyed fanatics about hiring great people—amazing employees who elevate the game of everyone around them. There’s nothing more exciting than truly admiring the people with whom you work.
KEY STRATEGY
Our culture is built on transparent communication. We work hard to share everything with everyone—financials, sales numbers, real estate expansion plans, and more—because we know how important it is for all employees to understand our company’s goals and plans for the future. We want our employees to feel safe, secure, and warm, and this is achieved through maintaining open and honest communication.
BEST ADVICE
Business is not a zero-sum game; someone doesn’t have to lose for someone else to win. When you work to creatively craft mutually beneficial relationships with all stakeholders, that’s when the most value for all is created.
LOOKING AHEAD
I’m excited about the evolution of how business is practiced. For so many years, businesses have operated with a myopic focus on the shareholder. Today, we’re seeing companies focus instead on creating value for all of their stakeholders simultaneously—employees, customers, vendors, community members, and shareholders. Contrary to what most people have been taught, this is actually the most profitable way to run a business. … I believe that as companies continue to see that you can run a business based on love and be successful beyond your wildest dreams, we’ll see capitalism continue to evolve and help people flourish and lead lives infused with passion, purpose, love, and prosperity.
FUN FACT
I love the music of [Tex-Mex accordion king] Flaco Jimenez.
CAR I DRIVE
Lexus SUV
FAVORITE DESTINATION
France
HOBBY OR PASSION
Food and wine
BUCKET LIST
Become halfway decent at speaking French