I grew up in Waukesha and spent my summers in Mukwonago at Phantom Lake YMCA Camp (my dad was the camp director and my mom was the head cook). If you would have asked me just after I graduated college “ where is do you want least to live” I would have said Waukesha first then Mukwonago second! However, after moving around the country a bit, getting married and starting a family, there’s no place I’d rather be. Love this community and the people in it.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I’m better, smarter and beautifuler half is Susan (Patel) – she’s a Mukwonago native, we have 4 daughters Grace (16), Ella (14), Lily (11) and Maya (8 and a half).
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I own my own business coaching, consulting and training business called ActionCoach. I’ve been doing this. for almost 15 years. I love it because I can help a lot of people by helping a business grow. I help the owners, their families, their team members and their families and on and on. I especially enjoy working with family businesses. The family aspect always adds another dimension. I’ll also mention that I invest in real estate as well. My partners and I own 60+ residential units and 3 commercial properties and are looking to continue to grow.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I like the burgers at Eagle Springs Pub and the pizza at Zazing (although I never get to eat there since my kids only like Dominos which I don’t understand)
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We moved to Mukwonago in 2011.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Tough call. Bora bora or the South Pacific in general is on my list because it looks beautiful, South America because love a good adventure, Scotland cause they talk cool and I hear it’s beautiful, New Zealand for the same reason. That’s a good start.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
The Godfather Part 2 is of course the best movie of all time. I like the Star Wars movies and super hero movies for the visual and audio effects. TV show Sons Of Anarchy and Breaking Bad are the most recent ones I’ve really enjoyed.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be curious and ask questions. And remember, what other people think of you is none of your business…meaning, stop caring so much about what other people think about you. Chances are they aren’t thinking about you at all. They are too busy thinking about what you are thinking about them!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Sailing to the Caribbean on my boat. Though I should mention I don’t own a boat or know how to sail…yet)
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Yacht Rock of any sort.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Charlie’s Shake Shop
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
My old friend Leo Lauer who I haven’t seen in many years. I’d meet him at the restaurant he owns in Manhattan.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Phantom Lake YMCA Camp is a really special place that many people in the community don’t know exists.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
With still having an 8 year old in the house, I believe we’ll still be here. But shortly after that we’ll be traveling the world!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I love to serve people. Cooking, hosting parties, helping others where I can.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Interlaken Switzerland
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
October (love the fall), Halloween, the last day of school
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A cheeseburger and fries from Dotty Dumplings Dowery in Madison
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Even though I said don’t care what other people think, the people around me inspire me to be better. I like to do stuff to inspire other people so they inspire me to always get better and to do hard things.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Coconuts – they remind me of the beach. Fall weather.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Cozy, comfortable, happiness
