"I look for creative but logical ways to solve problems. I determine a process to achieve what we need to achieve, sometimes using tools at hand and sometimes by creating new tools."
 

"The mentor I have, my father. He taught me to treat everyone with dignity, that I might be around people who are smarter but don’t let anyone outwork me."
 

"We have strong personalities, but we're respectful of each other's views. We can openly share opinions. We stay in touch with each other's lives, too, and even in each other’s kids' lives. It's a great team."
 

"A line worker at a General Motors metal stamping facility. My job was to automate the plant, so he had reason not to like me. But he understood the plant and helped me be successful in the project. Most important, he reminded me that there are many smart people out there who didn’t go to college and who earn dignity and deserve our respect."

MacGyver. "He is a resourceful agent who finds creative solutions to seemingly impossible problems. I also want to remain quick and agile enough to handle any business situation."
  

"We're a finance vehicle for real estate. At the end of each day, we can see what we've done. We are creative, and we deliver win-win solutions. What we are doing is generational. We’re fortunate to do what we do."
 

"Central Park, to watch people. I love people watching."
 

Tracy Chapman, an American singer-songwriter of folk, blues and alternative rock who has been honored for her contributions as a socially conscious and artistically accomplished musician. "She takes you places."
 

A baseball player. "Baseball is a dichotomy of teamwork and individual performance. Plus, you can’t hide a weakness, meaning you must adjust and compensate."

"Deciding with my wife not to take a position in South Carolina, and then returning to school to obtain a law degree."
 

Art print of the Brooklyn Bridge. "We build things."
 

Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville; University of Kansas School of Law, Lawrence.