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4 centered on individual growth prepared us to navigate the difficult economy. We didn’t have to reduce staff, and we never missed a bonus-cycle. TZL: What is your vision for the future of Rincon? MG: I have two: 1) To continue to be a strong platform for professionals to de- velop their careers, explore their passions and to thrive. 2) To build a strong professional team that is skilled at adapting to changes in the market and developing new opportunities. TZL: How have you seen the company evolve since its founding? MG: Over the years the company has matured from a high- ly capable start-up to a much better organized firm capa- ble of competing for projects on a higher level and within a broader geographic reach. Through training and the launch- ing of an ownership expansion program, the firm has be- come stronger – technically, culturally, and from a manage- ment perspective. We have focused leadership, diversifica- tion, and empower our capable professionals. “Creating a culture of excellence and empowerment is an exciting, but challenging job.” TZL: Tell me about a recent project you are proud of and why. MG: There are many. I am especially proud of Rincon’s ac- tive involvement in environmental assessment and permit- ting for California’s High Speed Rail project. This is a vision- ary project that, together with other multi-modal invest- ments, will transform California’s transportation system and land use to meet the state’s future population. We have three roles: environmental compliance, permitting, and en- vironmental impact analysis. I am also proud of our Climate Action Team which has enabled Rincon to become one of the leading Greenhouse Gas Verification firms in California. TZL: What’s an exciting new project you have on deck? MG: Rincon was recently awarded a contract to update the City of Oxnard’s Local Coastal Plan. This project is exciting because it represents one of the LCP Update projects in Cal- ifornia to be implemented following adoption of the Cali- fornia Coastal Commission Guidelines on Sea Level Rise. The project involves updating the long range land use plan for the coastal zone for the city and will incorporate the Cal- ifornia Coastal Commission’s recent guidance and techni- cal documentation concerning sea level rise. The plan will address a broad range of coastal planning issues including coastal hazards, environmentally sensitive habitats, a recre- ational boat marina, private waterways, visitor serving fa- cilities, beach access, and coastal dependent land uses in- cluding two gas-fired power plants and a municipal waste- water treatment plant. The 18-month project also involves coordination of a comprehensive public involvement pro- gram as well as technical, and local agency advisory commit- tees. The final plan will update all of the land use and coastal Q&A, from page 3

resource protection policies and will address the long range effects and adaptation strategies to effectively address SLR as projected through 2100. Rincon is writing the plan. My personal involvement will be as a technical and policy advi- sor to the project team, client, and California Coastal Com- mission, as required. TZL: How have you helped your firm to outperform some competitors? MG: We have tremendous respect for our competitors who are often our colleagues. My focus has largely been in re- lationship development, externally, and culture develop- ment, internally. Creating a culture of excellence and em- powerment is an exciting, but challenging job. TZL: What do you feel sets your firm apart from others? MG: It would probably be fair to describe me as ‘business street smart’ and passionate for the power of what people can accomplish if properly guided and empowered. TZL: Are you married? Do you have children? Pets? MG: I’m happily married to my amazing wife, Lori. We have five children who inspire me every day. Our dog Lucky, a Labrador, and Cinci, our cat, are there to greet me with en- thusiasm every day. TZL: What’s one thing most people at the firm don’t know about you? MG: I’m much more of an introvert than most would think. TZL: What’s the last book you read? MG: Culture Eats Strategy for Lunch . TZL: What’s the last movie you saw? MG: Carol . TZL: What’s the best piece of work-related advice you’ve ever gotten? MG: A former supervisor told me that everyone has a dif- ferent style; let them use it to achieve success. He then gave me an example that involved catching a plane. He said some folks arrive early (that’s me); some follow the instructions and are right on time; and others race through the airport to catch the plane. If everyone catches the plane, which style is right? Regarding generational differences, I was ad- vised that there are not really all that many differences. Es- sentially, everyone wants to be part of something impor- tant and to be on a winning team. TZL: Is there a leader who you admire? Why? MG: John Wooden was an American basketball player and coach who was generally soft-spoken. He reached beyond just winning the game to building character in those around him. I also admire John Lennon who inspired passion for change and for what is possible. TZL: When you’re not working, what types of activities do you enjoy? MG: Hiking, being outdoors, traveling, cooking, savoring good wine, and enjoying friends and family.

THE ZWEIG LETTER May 30, 2016, ISSUE 1154

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