The home goods retailer Lee Bird leads has had a busy year. In the last 12 months, the company crossed $1.2 billion in sales and opened its 200th store. Bird, who was born in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, took the helm of At Home in 2012.
Education:
Babson College (MBA), Ithaca College (BS-Finance)
First Job:
“I was a dishwasher at age 14 at a local restaurant, and I learned the value of a college education.”
Fun Fact:
“My wife and I have eight children.”
What Keeps Me Up at Night:
“I do my very best to live my life with the proper perspective; I try to not let anything get me so worked up that I lose sleep.”
Advice For an 18-Year-Old Me:
“Never give up on your dreams.”
Scary Experience:
“We had an emergency landing of a private jet and the runway had to be covered in foam, as our landing gear was compromised.”
How I Motivate:
“Give them the ‘why.’ Once you get folks invested in the strategy for an action, people put their all into the effort.”
Lesson Learned:
“Constant innovation is the key to success.”
Who’d Play Me in a Biopic:
“George Clooney, because I wish I was that good looking.”
Car I Drive:
“Ford Explorer”
Beverage of Choice:
“Lemonade”
Bucket List:
“Visiting The Great Pyramid of Giza”
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.
