When I reflect on my past experience as CEO of a company with almost 700 employees over 11 years, it’s clear that leadership lessons don’t stay confined to boardrooms. They follow you home, shaping how you think, solve problems, and—most importantly—how you parent. Managing a diverse workforce, navigating challenges, and making high-stakes decisions gave me a foundation that unexpectedly prepared me for my most important role: being a dad to Roy and Rosemary.
As a CEO, you’re constantly balancing competing priorities—growth, performance, morale, and innovation. You learn that people thrive when they’re supported, challenged, and given a clear sense of purpose. That philosophy carried over into our home. My wife Daisy and I always aimed to create an environment where our kids felt seen, supported, and motivated to do their best—not just in school, but in life.
I couldn’t be prouder of the young adults they’re becoming. Roy, who graduates this month as the Salutatorian of his high school class, will soon be heading to West Point. His work ethic, discipline, and sense of service inspire me. Watching him balance rigorous academics with sports, work, and community involvement has been a joy. I know West Point will push him to grow even more—but he’s ready. And I can’t help but think the leadership principles he’s about to study are already embedded in him.
Then there’s Rosemary, who’s charting her own impressive course. With a 4.0 GPA and a passion for volleyball, she’s showing the same grit and determination that made Roy successful. She’s curious, driven, and kind—a combination that’s as rare as it is admirable. Even at her age, she’s already showing signs of the leadership potential I’ve seen in the very best professionals I’ve worked with.
Running a company taught me that great leaders don’t just manage—they mentor, guide, and adapt
Running a company taught me that great leaders don’t just manage—they mentor, guide, and adapt. You learn to listen deeply, to think ahead, and to admit when you don’t have all the answers. Those same lessons applied every time Roy or Rosemary came to me with a challenge or big decision. I tried not to just fix things, but to help them learn how to approach problems with confidence and humility.
And just like at work, success at home has been a team effort. Daisy has been a phenomenal partner—steady, loving, and wise. Together, we’ve faced the joys and chaos of parenting like co-founders steering the most important startup of our lives.
So yes, leading 700 employees taught me a lot—but being a father to Roy and Rosemary has taught me even more. The stakes are higher, the rewards deeper, and the pride immeasurable. As Roy steps into the next chapter at West Point and Rosemary continues to thrive academically and athletically, I’m filled with gratitude—not just for who they are, but for the journey we’ve shared together.
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