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Where are you from? And how did you end up here?
I grew up (and still live) on the North Side of Chicago, so venturing into the Loop wasn’t too far of a stretch – but who would need to venture any further when all this city has to offer is right in your front yard?
How long have you been with Protein Bar?
Since April – I’m still a newbie!
Biggest Passions?
I love to travel. There’s something inherently exciting about seeing new places and meeting new people well outside of your comfort zone and daily routine.
And on the geeky side, I love historical fiction – if there was a little bit more drama and intrigue in history books, chances are, I would have paid much more attention to it in school.
If you had to describe yourself in one word what would it be?
Curious. My first instinct is always to ask “why?” (for better or for annoyingly worse). I can spend hours on Wikipedia reading anything from the page on a newly discovered band to the geography of my next travel destination – the result of which is a head full of barely-used facts and figures (but this makes me a good trivia teammate!). I often surprise myself when, through mindlessly clicking on links in articles, I find myself reading up on a topic completely unrelated to my original purpose.
A goal you have achieved that you are proud of?
I’m most proud of passing the CPA exam while working full-time. Long days of work made it difficult to prepare myself for exam success – but every late night with my textbooks was well worth it, in the end.
What’s your personal motto?
“You win some, you lose some” is a motto that’s near to my heart. It is an incredibly simple reminder to be humble in successes and gracious in defeats, because things can – and will – change quickly.
Do you have any unique talents?
I’m pretty good at working a ten-key. Need someone to quickly add some numbers? I’m your man.
Something surprising about you?
I have, at some point in my educational career, formally studied Arabic, German, Latin, and Ancient Greek. While my mastery (read: familiarity) levels with these languages leaves something to be desired when it comes to oral communication, I think even basic exposure to foreign languages offers unique exposure and insight into different cultures, people, and perspectives.
Also – despite my passion for travel, I can’t stand flying. Are we sure we’ve got the physics of it all figured out??
What is the scariest thing you have ever done?
As an accountant, the general stereotype of a risk-averse numbers geek is fairly accurate in my case, so I wouldn’t exactly say I live life on the edge – but I do get an adrenaline rush from venturing on my own in a foreign country where I am unfamiliar with the language. It’s not exactly putting my life on the line, but in these situations I have to rely on my gut and judgment to make it back in one piece – and it’s good practice for my future Amazing Race audition tape.
What is the coolest thing about your PB team?
Everyone is so talented and inspired – it’s this passion, with the skills to translate it into success, which has me so excited to join the team!
If you could eat one PB item forever what would it be?
The Memphis Salad – I love our agave BBQ sauce!
If you could add one item to the PB menu what would it be?
Can we make a healthy baklava? Is that possible??
If you could manage a Protein Bar anywhere in the world where would it be?
I’ll be the first in line to offer to manage a Protein Bar in London.
Kevin’s LOVE List
Word—Cheers/Sláinte/Prost/Salud (or any other variation of the word) – because when you use it, chances are you’re celebrating something!
Magazine—The Week – a magazine that summarizes a week’s worth of news and eliminates the need for a bulky Sunday morning newspaper? Perfect!
Musician—I’m all over the board! During the day, my playlist hops around between Florence + the Machine, Belle & Sebastian, Imagine Dragons, Laura Marling, and The Shins. Sometimes I get into an 80s rock zone for days at a time. And if it’s the summer and I’m in the car – you can bet I’m listening to random country music to the glee or disdain of fellow passengers.
TV Show—The Tudors (see passion for historical fiction above). But in terms of a currently running show, I’d say Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations is at the top of my list.
Movie—When I’m in the mood to pretend I understand German, my favorite movie is Das Leben der Anderen. But, when I have less ambition to read subtitles, my favorite movie is Ferris Bueller’s Day Off – who doesn’t love Chicago and the 80s?
Website—I still enjoy sporcle.com (I have to put all that Wikipedia knowledge to use somehow in-between trivia nights).
Place in the world—Parliament Hill, Hampstead Heath, London – a hill with a fantastic view of London, set in a wonderfully peaceful park, which serves as a respite from a manic city. It’s a perfect place to sit and relax in the sun (or more accurately, in the overcast gray).
Way to spend your Saturday mornings—Watching the Travel Channel and rearranging my list of the next ideal travel destinations!
Restaurant—Chilam Balam in Lakeview. Small plates, small space, and absolutely delicious!
Way to work out—Just put on the headphones and find a zone!
Way to celebrate—With a group of friends at a local dive bar would be just fine!
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