Born and raised: St. Johns, Michigan…known worldwide (well, not quite) as Mint City. Favorite childhood memory: Sunday afternoons at my grandparents. My mom was one of six and all her brothers and sisters and their families would come to my grandparents’ house almost every Sunday afternoon to eat, hang out, play games and watch sports. I loved Sundays! Best part of my work: Financial analysis. It’s fascinating to me. Family: Growing up, I was the oldest of 3 boys. Now, I have a wonderful wife, son, daughter and 5 dogs! Best part of parenting: All of it! The entire journey has been so fun and rewarding. Hobbies: The stock market, hockey, the Braves...and I’m addicted to art auctions on cruises! Favorite way to recharge: A good run along any body of water is heaven on earth for me. Guilty Indulgence: Frosted pop tarts topped with whipped cream! My inspiration: My uncle. He was in an auto accident in 1989 that left him without the use of his legs. His journey, now 30 years in the making, still inspires me. Ideal Saturday: A great workout then family dinner followed by games or a movie. Best reason to go to work: The people. There is a very genuine family atmosphere.

Start date with Can You Imagine: March 2003  Grew up: In the beautiful town of Belmont California, south of San Francisco with Mom, Dad, Sister, Brother and me slap in the middle.  Childhood career plan: By my early teens I was sure I wanted to be a fashion illustrator. For fun I would make up fashion “magazines” full of my fashion drawings and tips.  Favorite place to relax: My screened-in back porch!  Best Saturday: Visiting a winery or a consignment shop, reading, playing with my grandsons, and cooking.  Favorite part of your work: Getting to name the new gifts! And, I can walk into work every morning and know that I am working with a wonderful, caring group of people.  Three things you can't live without: Coffee because I appear to be addicted, family because they make everything worthwhile and, haircuts because I just feel better with a fresh haircut.  An enjoyed ritual: Making my lunches for work days. I try to keep them healthy, delicious, and pretty so I can look forward to eating them.  Best joke: I cannot remember a joke for five minutes!  Favorite design style: I would say I am an eclectic traditionalist though that may not be an official style.  Guilty indulgence: Procuring one more piece of blue and white china!  Good quote: “The excellence of a gift lies in its appropriateness rather than in its value.” -Charles Dudley Warner

Start date with Can You Imagine: July 1998  Treasured childhood memory: I was 7 when we lived in San Francisco. My favorite and most distinct memories of childhood are the fog horns and the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge.  Favorite place to relax: I love the peace and serenity of the Smokey Mountains. Sipping coffee and listening to the birds and the wind in the trees…what’s better than that?  What about customer service excites you: I love knowing my product and helping my customer find the perfect gift through that knowledge.  Favorite meal: I enjoy food from all cultures. I would have to say my favorite is Korean BBQ for the overall dining experience. My children are definitely foodies and are always introducing my husband and me to something new and exciting.  Favorite color: Definitely orange. Orange is a happy color. It’s the color of sunsets and of the entire 1970’s.  Three things you can't live without: Pets. I love all animals. Everything from cats and dogs to pet rats and guinea pigs. Music. It’s always been a huge part of my life. My family. Family is everything.  Guilty indulgence: Coffee, and lots of it.  Little known fact: I played guitar for years when I was younger and although I never learned to read music, I could play by ear. I aspired to be in a rock band. I still have that guitar, although now it serves for wall decoration and memories. I can also converse a bit in German.

Start date with Can You Imagine: September 2001 Best part of work: The people! And, the opportunity to learn new things and grow. I love learning! Hobbies: Games and puzzles. Three things you can’t live without: Michael. (My hubby. He makes me laugh!) Laughter. (It gets me through tough times.) And, peanut butter. (It does the same as laughter.) Favorite childhood memory: Travis Tritt was a classmate of mine. Ms. Anderson, my fifth grade teacher, would often ask him to play his guitar for all of us. He was amazing even at that young age! What makes you happy? Helping others and resolving problems. Best part of parenting: The hugs and “I love you”’s from my sweet son! Favorite movie: Love, Actually. Friends describe me as: Crazy, fun, & caring. Pet peeves: Slow drivers in the left lane, and the cover left open on the alarm keypad. Favorite place to unwind: The mountains...seeing and being above the fray. Super-power: Seeing patterns which can lead to solving mysteries. Best way to recharge: Reading...and getting lost in the story. Something always on you: Dental floss and a smile. Fun facts: I always cry at happy endings! I’m willful. And, I love to dance! Best joke: Knock, knock – Who’s there? – Orange – Orange who? - Orange you glad I don’t tell jokes?