Executive Career Profile

"My career path has turned out to be a great way to understand many aspects of our business first-hand. When I first was a merchant, I didn't fully appreciate the work of our stores organization. But having been a merchant, I think I was much more effective managing store functions. I could help overcome hurdles to serve the needs of our customers. My time in college recruiting was when I learned about selecting outstanding people, and the importance of surrounding yourself with outstanding people. Staying long enough to build a career within a single company allows you to accumulate knowledge and skills as you go along. It also teaches you that overcoming barriers in your current job - rather than hopping to another job at another place - helps make you a stronger person. Early in my career, one of my mentors taught me that you have to "bloom where you're planted" in order to succeed. I've always found that to be true."