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4 advisors – banker, accountant, and someone who has an en- trepreneurial background. Next, get to work. It will be more difficult than you expected, take longer, and will be one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do. TZL: What are your key strengths? CF: Dogged determination and a drive to be better. I believe that I instill this into some very talented people, too. The people I have the pleasure of working with believe there is no other option than great service, delivered on time, and within budget to the clients’ full expectations. I tell people that we’re successful if we’re having fun, making money, and doing something that makes us proud. TZL: What do you feel the key strengths are for an effec- tive leader? CF: Honesty, integrity, a strong work ethic, empathy, and the ability to listen. It’s also important to take responsibil- ity for decisions and mistakes, and mentor staff along the way. If you have the ability to instill belief in people for a common goal and give them the confidence to accomplish more than they think they can, you are a good leader. TZL: How would you describe your leadership style? CF: I call it the “sheep dog” approach. I am willing to lead from the front, back, and sides – with barking and nipping as needed. I always have the best welfare of my team in mind. TZL: To date, what has been your greatest challenge? How did you deal with it? CF: My father died a few years ago. I always thought we’d have plenty of time to do the things we had planned togeth- er. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen that way and I regretted not always having my personal priorities ahead of my busi- ness ones. I made some personal changes and now my fami- ly comes first. I think the results have been positive for both my family and FINLEY. TZL: What is your vision for the future of FINLEY? CF: There are a few: z To continue to grow at a rate that makes sense for our capa- bilities and resources. z To work with great clients on larger and more complicated bridges around the world. z To bring the next generation of FINLEY leadership along. z To continue to evolve our company culture. TZL: Tell me about a recent project you are especially proud of? CF: The SR 836 / 826 Interchange (Palmetto – Section 5) in “The people I have the pleasure of working with believe there is no other option than great service, delivered on time, and within budget to the clients’ full expectations.” Q&A, from page 3

Miami is very special to me. This was a big interchange near the Miami airport that had been under design for about 20 years. The department of transportation decided to let it out for D/B, with a limited budget and with some gap financing required. We got to work with close and old friends, some new and talented people who became close friends, and won a challenging project. Technically, the schemes were inno- vative and the construction techniques critical in how the project was developed. It’s not often that you have this type of win-win across the board. “If you have the ability to instill belief in people for a common goal and give them the confidence to accomplish more than they think they can, you are a good leader.” TZL: Is there any news you care to share about current projects? CF: I think the most exciting thing is that we’ve opened a Prague, Czech Republic office. We are thrilled about the in- creased international opportunities that this office can pro- vide and the staffing diversification we’ve already experi- enced. TZL: Are you married? Do you have kids? Pets? CF: Teresa and I have been married for more than 30 years. People still tell me I outkicked my coverage! We have three sons – Tyler, Trey, and Will – and two English Bulldogs, Lay- la and Floyd. TZL: What’s one thing most people at the firm don’t know about you? CF: I raise registered Angus cattle and race a Porsche 997 GT3 Cup car on a national basis. TZL: What’s been your best vacation spot? Do you have a dream destination? CF: I worked in France and love going back. Dream destina- tion? Istanbul, Turkey. TZL: What’s the last book you read? CF: Mornings on Horseback by David McCullough. TZL: What’s the last movie you saw? CF: The Revenant . TZL: Who is a leader you admire? CF: Pope Francis. I think he’s doing a great job in making Catholicism relevant in modern times and his message of compassion for the world’s poor is very important. TZL: When you’re not working, what types of activities do you enjoy? CF: I like to play golf, buy and sell Angus cattle, and race Porsches. TZL: Do you have a favorite lunch? CF: A rare hamburger and a very dry gin martini.

THE ZWEIG LETTER June 13, 2016, ISSUE 1156

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