Which dental school did you attend?

Georgetown University.

What year did you graduate?

1984.

What's the most unique characteristic about your dental practice?

Our culture. We live (and practice) consistent with our practice mission and core values: "Excellent dentistry delivered with comfort, care, and the love of Christ".

What is your most noticeable characteristic?

Honesty and warmth. That's how I think people who meet me for the first time would describe me - a nice guy who can be trusted.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Being content, happy, and grateful for your blessings. Being optimistic and persistent in facing challenges.

What is your favorite pastime?

I'm a gym rat and a weekend warrior - weight training, Stairmaster climbing, spin classes. Golf, tennis, bicycling.

Which words or phrase do you most overuse?

"Basically..." or "The bottom line..." - I like to summarize and get to answers and conclusions; quickly.

What book are you currently reading?

"Resilient - Restoring the Weary Soul in These Turbulent Times" by John Eldredge; and "Killing the Killers - The Secret War Against Terrorism" by Bill O'Reilly.

What is your all time favorite movie?

Hoosiers - "We're gonna run the picket fence at 'em! Jimmy, you're solo right! Everett, Merle should be open coming around the other side of that fence! Now boys, don't get caught watchin' the paint dry!

What is your favorite memory of childhood?

My dad never wanted me to play high school football. In fact, he discouraged it. One of the only times I defied him was to play. The only game he attended was my last game as a senior on the Varsity team. After the season, he purchased me a letterman's jacket so I could wear my Varsity Football letter, with pride, at school. and around town.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

My son, and the man he is becoming. Secondly, I'd say the culture we've created at my dental practice.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Integrity and honesty; and having enough humility to be to laugh at one's self.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

My wife - Strength, purpose, kind eyes and smile, and a loving heart.

What will you not tolerate from anyone?

Unapologetic excuses and rationalizations. Inconsistency in arguments.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

My often "not-so-healthy" eating habits.

What do you value the most?

My relationships - with God, my wife, my kids, my friends. And my sister's Beatles album collection.

What historical figure do you most identify with?

Ronald Reagan.

What talent would you most like to have?

Musicality. I can play the guitar, but my son plays AND creates music (writes). That would be cool.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

We receive and give "compliments" for "doing our job". I was taught "doing your job" was just something that was expected of you - all the time. When we complement people or are complemented for "doing our job", that is "overrated".

Who is the person you most admire?

Ronald Reagan.

What did you learn from your father?

Responsibility - for your family and for yourself. And to love the San Francisco Giants and 49ers.

What's the most important thing you learned from your mother?

To love, especially family.

Do you have a pet? Please provide name and type of pet or breed.

Sawyer is a Miniature Schnauzer who lives a charmed life.

What is your pet peeve?

"After-the-fact" rationalizations and excuses. And cleaning the greasy rack from broiling bacon.

What quality in others earns your trust?

Honesty and sincerity.

What is your motto?

Carpe Diem! Seize the day boys! Make your lives extraordinary!

What is the most important thing you've learned about yourself since working with Straine?

That I am a leader, and a pretty darn good one at that. I am a task oriented, introvert; my quiet leadership style can be very effective in "work family" culture. It took me long time to learn and embrace this concept. I owe my "Dental MBA" training to Kerry, Olivia, Bill McKee, Michael Lichtman and the entire Straine team.