Education: Miami University of Ohio, Indiana University (MBA)
Why FedEx Office: I followed a girl. I met my wife in graduate school. She went to work for FedEx while I was working with Kimberly-Clark in brand management. She got me a job at FedEx, and I’ve been here ever since.
Toughest Challenge: About three and a half years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer. Managing a multibillion-dollar company and keeping an eye on your health isn’t easy. Now I’m free and clear.
Lesson Learned: In crisis situations, take a breath and slow things down.
Looking Ahead: FedEx is one of the most profitable e-commerce businesses. Amazon and all the others need someone to move their products and process returns. In e-commerce and e-tailing, the most difficult part is the back-channel logistics, and FedEx is right in the heart of that.
Fun Fact: I skipped fourth grade. I had an August birthday, too, so I was really young for my grade. In high school, the girls had to drive when we went on dates.
Favorite Food: The stroganoff at The Porch, down on Knox-Henderson. It’s like the super-food of comfort foods.
Beverage of Choice: I’m a Miller Lite guy.
First Car: My dad gave me his 1979 Buick LaSabre. On the very first day I got my license, I backed into my neighbor’s mailbox.
Latest Book Read: I just started one called “The Seventh Sense: Power, Fortune, and Survival in the Age of Networks,” by Joshua Ramo. FedEx is in the network business, and Josh is on our board of directors.
Hobby/Passion: I love to deep-sea fish. My dad’s retired and lives in the Florida Keys, and my brother and I try to get down there when we can. We go after tuna, mahi-mahi, and sailfish. It’s good family time.
Standout Destination: Angel Falls in Venezuela. I lived in Venezuela for about nine years when I was a kid.
Bucket List: Getting certified to scuba-dive.
This Q&A is extended content from the Dallas 500, a special edition produced by D CEO that profiles the region’s most influential business leaders. Visit www.dallas500.com for details.
