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4 an important strategic asset to recruit and retain talented employees. It’s also important to understand that millenni- als are the fastest-growing employee segment and are pro- jected to represent a majority of the workforce within three years. My vision is to focus on developing a corporate cul- ture that serves our employee base and achieves our vision to become an “Employer of Choice.” TZL: Tell me about a recent project that you are especial- ly proud of. WW: The new 38,700-square-foot Irondequoit Public Li- brary replaces two library branches, and is centrally located, reinforcing the original vision for the civic campus, which included a library adjacent to the Town Hall. Passero Asso- ciates managed the entire project from start to finish as the architect of record and project manager, providing all ar- chitectural contract documentation and coordination. The new library enhances the symbolic and physical heart of the community, and is a source of pride for the entire Monroe County Library System and the town. Working with a team of local and national experts, Passero Associates brought to Irondequoit a modern library design that serves and en- hances the community. The library features a traditional ex- terior, in fitting with its location on the Town Hall campus. The new library serves as the heart of the community, pro- viding a modern public computer lab, a senior center, pub- lic meeting/activity rooms, a multifunctional maker’s lab, a historic display, a teen reading and study area, and a chil- dren’s center. TZL: How have you helped your firm to outperform some competitors? What do you feel sets you apart? WW: Our four cornerstones have led to our growth and suc- cess. These cornerstones are: ❚ ❚ Best people/fulfilling work environment ❚ ❚ Exceptional client service ❚ ❚ Outstanding results ❚ ❚ Growth and profitability TZL: Is there any news you care to share about recent projects or anything else? WW: Over the past couple of years, we have completed more than half a dozen projects that received local, state, and na- tional awards. We are especially excited and humbled to be recognized as one of the top five Best Firms to Work For by the Zweig Group in 2016, as this award reflects the positive work culture we have created together and will continue to build and enhance. TZL: Are you married? Children? Pets? WW: I’ve been married to Julie for 34 years. We have three grown children who are scattered around the country in New York City, Chicago, and Cleveland. TZL: What’s been your best vacation spot? Dream desti- nation? WW: Finger Lakes region in upstate New York. South Africa remains on my bucket list. Q&A, from page 3

Interior of the Irondequoit Public Library. / Passero Associates

TZL: What’s the last book you read? WW: Zero to One by Peter Thiel. Many millennials consid- er Peter Thiel the guru of start-ups. I read it with the hope of gaining a better understanding of how millennials think and what drives their engagement. TZL: What’s the last movie you saw in the theater? WW: Star Wars: The Force Awakens . I watched it over the Christmas holiday with my family. TZL: What’s the best piece of work-related advice you’ve received? WW: I used to be chronically late (five to 10 minutes), for meetings until a client asked me if I thought my time was more important than his. Since then, I stress over walking into a meeting late, and will apologize even for being a min- ute late. So, don’t think or act like you are more important than anyone else. TZL: Is there a leader you admire? Why? WW: Ronald Reagan. He had two objectives during his pres- idency – end the Cold War and fix the economy. He sur- rounded himself with the best people to accomplish those two objectives, even a few he didn’t particularly care for. He wouldn’t let his administration get sidetracked from accom- plishing those two objectives, and as we know, both were accomplished. A true lesson for CEOs: Stay focused on your important objectives and don’t get distracted by the periph- eral stuff. TZL: When you’re not working, what types of activities do you enjoy? WW: Golf, snow skiing, water skiing, traveling, and spend- ing time with my family. TZL: What’s your favorite lunch? WW: Eggplant Parmesan at Roncone’s, a small Italian res- taurant in Rochester, New York.

THE ZWEIG LETTER August 29, 2016, ISSUE 1166

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