Nov. 7--Age: 64.
Job: Executive director, Common Ground.
Company: Common Ground, formerly Rochester Behavioral Health Services, was founded by my wife, Jeanne, and myself in 2001 to provide confidential substance abuse treatment and related services. Not everyone experiencing the consequences of alcohol or other drug use is dependent or abusing substances.
Education: Graduated from Mankato State University in 1987. OK, if you do the math, I was 42 years old. My degree is in psychology with a minor in business, plus a chemical dependency certificate. I am licensed by the state of Minnesota as a licensed alcohol and drug counselor.
Experience: Oh boy, there is a long answer to that. I am a recovering alcoholic with nearly 25 years of sobriety. Having said that, it shouldn't be surprising that for the 20 years prior to 1985 I "moved around a lot." I was a radio announcer, newspaper reporter, regional manager for a major van line, owner of two businesses and an over-the-road truck driver. Following graduation from college, I was a chemical dependency counselor for a residential treatment center in Albert Lea, and then director of outpatient operations, overseeing six outpatient facilities for a treatment center in Waverly, Minn.
What book, Web site, television show or movie has left a big impression on you within the past year, and why:"When a Man Loves a Woman (1994)," co-written by our new senator, Al Franken, is an accurate depiction of how alcohol affects not only the alcoholic or addict but also those close to them. It also shows when a person overcomes an addiction, relationships change. Not only are family members affected by the addiction, they are also affected by recovery.
Do you use social networking sites such as Facebook or Twitter? Due to the confidentially of our clients, social networking is not the right fit at this time.
What's your business philosophy? Our business philosophy is the same as our treatment philosophy: We maintain the strengths of traditional models, while also incorporating new techniques and approaches. As with most small business owners, we are very good at our chosen profession, but are not as strong in other areas of the business world. I am working closely with action coach Cory Doden to combat that.
When treating people with substance abuse and other problems, do you see a lot of change in patients? We see changes every day. The changes are measured by life improvement, some small and some that can only be described as awesome. Clients regain employment and driving privileges. We see children returned to their parents and families reunited. Alumni get GEDs or high school diplomas and go on to obtain college educations. Clients become comfortable with themselves and others. Establishing self-esteem is a major goal for most of our clients. All become aware that there are options to the drinking and drugging lifestyle they have been living. The best reward I get is when a past-client walks in my office and says, "Remember me? I'm the person that others didn't think would make it. I've been sober five years." Hearing that makes my year.
How did you come up with Common Ground as a name? It wasn't an easy task. I brought on Nickie Froiland and her team at mark it! advertising to help us define what we do and how we do it. I wanted a name that better described the way our clients are treated and the way services are delivered. We seek common ground to assist clients in reaching their goals, not our goals, and every person is treated with respect and dignity.
Executive Profile runs each Saturday in the Business section and profiles an area business person. To be featured, please contact Local News Editor Mike Klein at (507) 281-7481.
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