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Tell us about your first job and time in college. I have had a job ever since I can remember. I mowed lawns, babysat, and delivered the New Brighton Bulletin . I enjoyed helping people. After high school, I attended a small liberal arts college and studied French and Accounting. I nearly majored in French, by accident -- I enjoyed it, so I kept taking more classes. I am a big believer in a liberal arts education – I am still very close with a group of guys from college, and not one of us is practicing our undergraduate major. How would you describe your career path? I like to think my career path has (thus far) three chapters: the first was in financial consulting as an auditor and then in the M&A, Fraud Investigation, and Litigation Support arm of Arthur Andersen. The second chapter was in the Strategy, Marketing, and Commercial side of the medical device industry. The third chapter is with MOBE. In 2012, I was at a crossroads with what I wanted to do in my career. At the time, my father, a very healthy man, was suddenly diagnosed with a terminal disease and given 6-12 months to live. I was also reading True North by Bill George – the intersection of these two things had a significant impact on my career path. I intentionally sought out roles that align with my values and what I enjoy doing.
Chris Hebner, Pete Knapp, Chris Cronin, and Amy Pressnall convene in a conference room.
How did you get your start at MOBE?
COVID’S LASTING IMPACT How have you shifted in response to COVID? What does the ‘new normal’ look like at MOBE? COVID-19 has shifted the landscape for every family, community, and business. In this new reality, people find different ways to function professionally – and encounter new challenges to their health and personal well-being. Our engagement numbers have climbed during this period. People have had to adapt to cooking more meals at home, exercising without access to a gym, and maintaining their emotional health while being secluded. Fortunately, these are precisely the areas MOBE focuses on and what we do best. We focus on a whole-person approach to wellness, and the interconnectedness of physical and mental health. Knowing that our customers are in some of the most afflicted areas (New Jersey, Chicago, Seattle), we extended our services to our participants’ friends and family. We hope we can help as many people struggling during these times as possible.
I was living in Switzerland on an expatriate assignment. Everything was going well. I was enjoying my job and marveling at watching my four kids navigate life in a country where very little was familiar. We were back for a couple of weeks during the summer, and I bumped into a mentor of mine, and a MOBE Board Member, at Young Joni, an excellent Minneapolis restaurant. He asked me to see him in his office about a potential opportunity. I mentioned life was good, and it probably wasn’t the right time. But I agreed to meet. When I got home, my wife will tell you I was shaking. I told her this is my dream job. I joined as COO for four reasons: I believe in what we do (Eat, Move, Sleep, Smile); how we do it (we don’t make money unless people get healthier and happier); with whom I get to do it (our culture is unique and the team is incredible) and what they asked me to do (to take responsibility for functions that provided me the opportunity to broaden my experiences).
12 | Finding the Silver Lining
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