Friends of Badger Mountain, Current Vice President and Board Member, Former President

What is Friends of Badger Mountain?

We are a board of volunteers, with approximately 12 active members. Friends of Badger Mountain (FOBM) is a group of professionals interested in trail building and the preservation of open space in the Tri-Cities. I have been a board member of FOBM for eight years and have served as president and vice president.

What are some of its successes?

FOBM has created a trail and park system on both Badger Mountain and Candy Mountain for the enjoyment of all visitors.

What are you working on now?

FOBM is currently fundraising to buy land for the last portion of our newest trail connecting the east side of the Badger Mountain Preserve to the Amon Basin. This trail will span the highest point in the city of Richland and the views are spectacular. We currently are short approximately $550,000 for our final land purchase.

What is your professional background and how does it relate to FOBM?

I am a financial advisor with Waypoint Wealth Management. My chosen profession brings discipline, financial understanding and patience to my volunteer position.

What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess?

I believe every successful leader employs the use of many characteristics in his or her management style. One of my top characteristics is patience.

What is the biggest challenge facing groups trying to preserve recreation access to the outdoors today?

I would say financing. We have our vision and plan accordingly, but it is often financing that distracts us from our goals.

If you had a magic wand, what would you change about this work?

I have never been good at the magic wand question because I do not like to delve into fantasy. If you want something changed, evaluate the time and energy required to consummate that change and see if it is worth pursuing. Always choose your battles wisely.

What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time?

Try to plan everything you do and try to lead by example. Don’t ever regret a decision made after doing your homework. Use the best available knowledge at the time and stick to your guns.

Who are your role models or mentors?

My close friends are my role models and mentors. I try to surround myself with individuals I respect and admire who overachieve in some aspect of their life.

How do you keep your team members motivated?

When volunteering for a nonprofit organization full of professionals, recognition and praise for a job well done are key motivators.

How did you decide to pursue the career that you are working in today?

I have always felt that most financial information could use a better ambassador of explanation so I have found a comfortable role of teacher and mentor.

How do you measure success in your workplace?

Success can be measured many different ways. I measure success by the slow and steady growth of my client’s contentment and overall happiness.

What do you consider your leadership style to be?

Give everyone enough space to feel comfortable doing what they are doing without micromanaging. Professionals know what to do and managing too tightly stifles their creativity.

How do you balance work and family life?

I don’t.

What do you like to do when you are not at work?

I am an avid tennis player and enjoy time on the court with friends. I hike often and use the trails that FOBM has constructed quite frequently. I am committed to my Rotary Club and look forward to meetings again when Covid has subsided. I collect and sell rocks and minerals and enjoy my time spent with others who are interested in the hobby.

What is your best time management strategy?

I spend time in the office on Sunday afternoons, organizing my upcoming week, reviewing events and scheduling appointments without any distractions. This is the day of my peak efficiency, and it sets the tone for the upcoming week.

Best tip to relieve stress?

Exercise with a change of scenery, like an afternoon hike up Candy Mountain.

What is most-used app? Favorite book?

My most used apps are probably Seeking Alpha and iTunes. I read many books, mostly novels, and some that stand out are, “The Green Mile” (movie was great too), “The Horse Whisperer,” anything by Jeff Shaara, Ray Bradbury, Robert Heinlein, Bill Watterson or John Grisham.

Do you have a personal mantra, phrase or quote you like to use?

I believe in “Do unto others as they would do unto you.” I also believe that everything you do, good or bad, will always come back to you in time.