1. Who inspires you?
My wife, my family, and my incredible colleagues at Gilson Daub. I am also inspired by anyone who is a master of their craft— that kind of dedication is always remarkable to witness.
2. What was the best concert you ever went to?
I need to preface my answer with the fact that I am an old soul, meaning my musical tastes follow suit. I love contemporary music but have a turntable in my office and house to play the old(er) stuff. The best concert I ever went to was Elton John. I hope to have that type of energy when I am in my seventies.
3. Where’s your favorite place in the world?
I spent my honeymoon exploring Italy and would go back in a second. Everything is breathtaking there— the food, the scenery, the atmosphere. In fact, I am trying to get Gilson Daub to open an office in Italy so I can practice workers’ compensation law there. No luck so far.
4. If you could be any animal, which would you be?
Either one of my spoiled dachshunds. They lead delightful lives. When they are not busy napping, they are chasing squirrels in a huge backyard. When they are not doing either one of those things, they are eating.
5. What’s the last book you read?
The Whistler by John Grisham.
6. What are you passionate about?
My family, friends, and leaving pineapples off pizza.
7. What’s your favorite movie?
The kid in me says Terminator II. The adult does, too.
8. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
I went skydiving for my thirtieth birthday. It seemed like it took hours for the rickety Cessna to climb 12,000 feet, so by the time we reached cruising altitude, I could not wait to jump out of the plane. The journey down was so much fun, I would absolutely do it again.
9. What are you currently watching on Netflix or TV?
Reruns of Arrested Development until the second part of Season 5 drops.
10. What’s the coolest thing you’re working on right now?
My wife and I bought a house last year and it came with a huge, untamed backyard. We are slowly making it our own. I am learning how to keep plants alive (for a change), and now appreciate the sheer amount of time and work that goes into constructing a large project.
11. Who would you most like to swap places with for a day?
I am going to refer to my answer for question #4 and say either one of my dogs.
12. What’s the best meal you ever had?
Hands down, the meal I had at Osteria Francescana in Modena, Italy. It is literally the world’s #1 ranked restaurant. The food was superb, and the dinner lasted close to four hours. I think they had to roll me out of the restaurant when all was said and done.
13. If you could visit anywhere in the world you’ve never been, where would you go?
My answer to this question changes all the time—right now, Iceland to see the Northern Lights.
14. What are some of your pet peeves?
Misspellings, people who text during movies, and friends who don’t use Venmo.
15. What’s your secret talent that no one knows about?
I never, ever get the orientation of a fitted sheet or USB cable right the first time.
16. Which four individuals, living or dead, would you like to eat dinner with the most?
Mark Twain, Elie Wiesel, Ben Franklin, and Robin Williams.
17. If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
Red.
18. What’s the most helpful way for you to get feedback?
Direct and immediate, preferably face-to-face or over the phone.
19. What is your favorite family tradition?
Growing up, a favorite family tradition was trying to figure out what my sister’s excuse would be for getting out of doing the dishes again. She is nothing if not imaginative.
20. Who is your least favorite superhero?
Aquaman—I just don’t see the purpose. His powers are restrained to an environment in which no person lives…except Aquaman.
