1175

Q&A, from page 3

JL: I have been married for 36 years and have two suc- cessful, grown children. Currently, we have two dogs, but I would not rule out the potential for more in the future. My first grandchild is due to arrive this fall. TZL: What’s one thing most people at the firm don’t know about you? JL: I am pretty much an open book. It’s my nature to say what’s on my mind. I guess most would not know I have an allergy to melons – go figure. “We find and hire the best talent, invest in that talent, retain that talent, and then let them do their thing. Our people, our service, and our specialization are what set us apart from our competitors.” TZL: Do you have a favorite vacation spot or a dream des- tination? JL: So far, my best vacation has been to a Dude ranch in Wyoming. I took the vacation with my family years ago. We slept under the stars halfway up a mountain; it was memo- rable. Dream vacation? Anywhere off the grid.

feel the key strengths are for an effective leader? JL: I believe my key strengths include the ability to listen, weigh the options, and make a decision. My decisions may not always be the best, but it keeps the firm moving. Stay- ing organized, focused on goals, and hiring intelligent, driv- en employees are all important to successfully lead a firm. TZL: How would you describe your leadership style? JL: Involved, responsive, supportive, and committed. TZL: To date, as president, what has been your greatest challenge? JL: We have two ongoing challenges: ❚ ❚ Finding, hiring, and retaining staff ❚ ❚ Ownership transition – past and future TZL: What is your vision for the future of Gale? JL: Growth and creating opportunities for our staff. We will achieve this by bringing all of our disciplines to each of our offices, while remaining open and nimble to consider new opportunities for expansion. TZL: Tell me about a recent project you are especially proud of and why. JL: Honestly, I would have to choose at least five projects to represent our five disciplines. I ammost proud of our ability to grow client relationships, which fuels our success. TZL: How have you helped your firm to outperform some competitors? What do you feel sets you apart? JL: We find and hire the best talent, invest in that talent, re- tain that talent, and then let them do their thing. Our peo- ple, our service, and our specialization are what set us apart from our competitors. “I believe my key strengths include the ability to listen, weigh the options, and make a decision. My decisions may not always be the best, but it keeps the firm moving.” TZL: Is there any news you care to share about Gale proj- ects or anything else? JL: As mentioned above, we are expanding and growing Gale to bring all five disciplines to each of our six offices. When we initially decided to expand geographically, we did so as a specialist in building enclosure consulting. Now that each of our offices is established, we are successfully intro- ducing aviation/civil/athletics to Florida and athletics/civ- il/structural to our mid-Atlantic offices. Our next goal is to expand services in our New Hampshire and Connecticut of- fices. TZL: Are you married? Do you have children? Pets?

TZL: What’s the last book you read (digital or print)?

JL: Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey (digital).

TZL: What’s the last movie you saw?

JL: Star Trek with my son. It seemed the same, only differ- ent. TZL: What’s the best piece of work-related advice you’ve ever received? JL: “Relax, pause, and consider.” – Charlie Gale, the firm’s founder

TZL: Who is a leader you admire and why?

JL: My associate and friend, Ed Stewart. We have worked together for 30-plus years. He has helped grow Gale to what we are today. Ed has shown exceptional vision on how and what Gale needed to do to be a national expert in enclo- sures. Staff stays and has fun because of Ed. He doesn’t know it, but he helps to lead all of us, in one way or another. TZL: When you’re not working, what types of activities do you enjoy? JL: Hiking, fly fishing, biking, and golf. I guess if I can dis- connect for a while, I want to do it.

TZL: What’s your favorite lunch?

JL: Basil pad thai or grilled cheese and tomato.

THE ZWEIG LETTER November 7, 2016, ISSUE 1175

Made with FlippingBook Annual report