I've lived in or been closely connected to Provo my whole life—57 years. I attended Provo schools and my family has always been actively involved in the community. I attended BYU and earned a degree in business management. I also did post-graduate work in business at the University of Utah. Together with my lovely wife Jan we raised five children in Provo.
For most of my earlier years, Provo was the dominant community in Utah Valley. I am passionate about Provo because I've seen what it can be. Today most economic growth and development is passing Provo by.
I served as one of 20 members of the Fidelity Executive Advisors Council in the U.S. Prior to founding Strategis Financial Group, I was a financial consultant/investment manager at Shearson Lehman Hutton during the 1980s. I worked for Xerox and was national sales manager for a small equipment manufacturer.
In the early part of my business career, I lived away from Provo: in Burlington, Vermont, a beautiful college town with the gorgeous Winooski River, much like our own Provo River. I lived in Tempe Arizona, a well planned and laid-out community; in Los Angeles, where the freeway system cannot keep up with the population; and in New York, with an aggressive business climate and total commitment to the arts.
As president and co-owner of a successful local business in a competitive field for nearly two decades, we find creative solutions to problems daily to survive. I've followed Provo politics closely for several years and I know I can make a valuable contribution. I've got fresh ideas and fresh vision. I'm too naive to think that problems are unsolvable.
I pledge to be the voice of Provo citizens. Bring me your ideas and suggestions—we'll explore them and look for solutions. The first words out of my mouth won't be "here is why your idea can't work." With the right leadership, Provo can regain her place among the most beautiful and livable communities in the country.
In 15 years the population of the Wasatch Front is projected to be the same as Sand Diego is today. We can watch Provo get swallowed up, or we can elect visionary leaders who make certain Provo plays a key role in this area's development.