• What is (was) your day job?
I am still working to retirement. Not a bad thing since I love what I do. I work as an attorney for Laner Muchin in Chicago. I practice labor and employment law with a focus on employee benefits. I basically help companies with issues related to providing welfare, pension and other benefits to company employees. The people I work with are top notch and a pleasure to be around, which is good since I spend a lot of time at work.
I also teach at The John Marshall School of Law. I teach the ERISA Fiduciary class, which helps students understand the nuances of being a named fiduciary to a retirement plan. This is one of my favorite topics and if you ever want to chat with me over coffee and bagels some morning, I’ll chew your ear off. Anybody ? …. Anybody ???
• What is your favorite book? or book genre?
Lord Jim by Joseph Conrad (an amazing author since his native tongue was Polish, but he taught himself to read and write in English and wrote all of his novels in English – amazing).
My favorite genre, though, is science fiction/fantasy. I can’t get enough. They just started televising a series on HBO based on George R.R. Martin’s a Game of Thrones. Really good.
I used to be a critic on a website devoted to critiquing science fiction and fantasy novels, but had to give it up once I had kids. Who knew raising kids would be so time consuming?
• If you were in charge, what would you mandate be the national pastime?
Greg Michel answered this question with “mentoring children”. Great answer. I second that motion. To be original, I would say “reading”. Or we could combine the two by saying, “reading to children”. I love reading to my children and combining this with my answer above, it should be no surprise that my three year old son’s favorite book is “Where the Wild Things Are.”
• What are your hobbies?
My family. I spend tons of time with my family and love every minute. I also incorporate them into my activities, such as working on our house. This was a family activity when I was growing up and my wife and kids help me where they can.
I also combine favorite hobbies from my single life with my family. For example, I teach my wife and kids how to swim, ski, sail, etc. Great fun. I really enjoy sharing with them those things that lead to great adventures for me.
• What would you like to tell members about yourself or your recent activities?
I have been spending more time becoming involved with the Village of Wilmette. I sit on the board of two commissions (the Wilmette Youth Commission – soon to be the Wilmette Human Relations Commission and the Wilmette Park District Lakefront Commission). A lot is happening right now in the Village of Wilmette and I take this as a great opportunity to serve my community and make a difference for years to come.
• What do most people not know about you?
I am an avid collector of comic books. I have loved them ever since I was a kid. I go the whole nine-yards with card board backings and plastic covers. Secretly, this is my alternate retirement plan.
• Who was your sponsor?
Patrick McCann (to whom I was introduced through my father). Pat convinced me that all the cool people are in the morning Rotary club. Uh, with the exception of my dad of course. J
• How do you pitch Rotary?
Rotary is an easy sell. We all like to think of ourselves as “good guys or gals”. What better way to show that than by joining the ultimate good guy/gal organization – Rotary. We are kind of like the Justice League of do gooders. I bet to the people we help (e.g., Haitians and others), we are modern day super heroes.
• What aspect of Rotary makes you passionate to be involved?
I have always had an interest in helping people. I used to sit on the board of directors of several not-for-profit organizations, but felt that I was helping a very limited group of people. Rotary allows me the opportunity to really tailor my interests. I can help on a global or local basis in whatever manner I like. This provides great flexibility in my charity/community service endeavors.
• What is your most memorable experience in Rotary?
The first time my dad ever took me to one of his Rotary meetings. I was impressed, intimidated and excited all at the same time. I felt very grown-up that day.
• Were you exposed to Rotary as a child? If so, what memories do you have?
Absolutely. I have great memories of going to Rotary meetings with my dad and helping out on Depot Days. I can’t wait to involve my own kids.