Sport Clips Hall of Fame Podcast

This episode is with Crystal Smith, a Team Leader in South Carolina. She walks us through her transition from being a Manager to becoming a Team Leader. She shares the highs and lows of her journey, and how her determination to be a good mother and leader has paved her way to success.

This episode is with Casey Lackey, an Area Manager for stores in North Carolina. In this interview, she explains the need for self-motivation, discusses the importance of providing a caring and nurturing environment for stylists coming out of beauty school and chronicles how she has thrived at Sport Clips.

This episode is the final one in our "Survive and Advance" series. The interview is with Brenda Long, the successful manager of the Sport Clips Haircuts of Bonney Lake, Washington. Brenda details how she escaped a life of domestic abuse, overcame drug addiction and how she turned her life around after 3 years in prison for dealing meth. Brenda's joyful approach to life resonates through the episode, and her story is sure to inspire listeners to confront and tackle their challenges as well. Domestic Violence, or Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), drastically impacts more than 12 million women and men each year in the United States. Sport Clips offers the Cut It Out training as part of new Team Member Orientation for every store Team Member. The goal is to create awareness so Team Members can recognize the signs of intimate partner violence (IPV) and refer others to help by 1-800-799-7233.

In this episode, we interview Andrea Allemand, an area coach in South Carolina and one of the founding members of the Sport Clips Artistic Team. Andrea explains what drew her to Sport Clips, walks us through what it was like becoming a manager at 18 years old and what's in store next for her career.

This episode, the next one in our "Survive and Advance" series, is with Veronica Jordan, the manager of the Sport Clips Haircuts of Oregon City. Veronica is a renowned fashion designer whose custom made Sport Clips themed dress stole the show at the 2019 Annual Convention. More importantly, Veronica is a single mom and a survivor of drug addiction, homelessness and domestic violence. In this interview, Veronica details how she escaped an abusive marriage, overcame a debilitating drug addiction and successfully raises her three children. Domestic Violence, or Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), drastically impacts more than 12 million women and men each year in the United States. Sport Clips offers the Cut It Out training as part of new Team Member Orientation for every store Team Member. The goal is to create awareness so Team Members can recognize the signs of intimate partner violence (IPV) and refer others to help by 1-800-799-7233.

This episode is with Rosalie Powell, the manager of the Sport Clips at Biltmore Park Town Square in Asheville, NC. In this interview, Rosalie discusses the importance of a positive approach in the workplace, explains her "Victory Wall", details how her store overcame recruiting challenges and updates us on the impact that social media has on her store culture.

This episode is with Brittany Fitzgerald, an Area Coach in North Texas and Artistic Team Member. Brittany was one of the keynote speakers at the 2019 National Huddle (Sport Clips Annual Convention) and her presentation "Do It With Passion or Don't Do It All" has become a company wide theme. In this interview, Brittany explains how she overcame a physical disorder that threatened her career called "Tremors" that causes involuntary and rhythmic shaking of the hands. She also details what it is like performing in front of thousands of people and some secrets to her success in the industry.

In this episode, we interview the founder of Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation, Darryl Fisher. We discuss the mission of AADF, hear updates from memorable flights in 2019 and find out what's coming up soon! Sport Clips is the primary sponsor for The Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation, a non-profit organization established and dedicated to honoring seniors and United States military veterans. Through donations, the foundation provides once-in-a-lifetime “Dream Flights” to veterans, many of whom served during WWII, in a Boeing Stearman biplane, the same aircraft used to train many military aviators in the late thirties and early forties. Find out more at: http://www.agelessaviationdreams.org

This episode is with Laura Torres, the manager of Sport Clips Palm Desert in California. Her store currently has eight different fundraisers to support the Sport Clips VFW Help A Hero Scholarship Fund. In this interview, she shares how her team has come together to raise funds for veterans returning to civilian life. Laura also chronicles her phenomenal success since joining Sport Clips, becoming a U.S. Citizen and what's next for her career and family.

This episode is with Shannon Villers, a stylist at Sport Clips Haircuts of Vienna. Shannon recently won a custom built Harley-Davidson through an American Crew contest benefiting the Sport Clips VFW Help A Hero Scholarship Program. Shannon details the secrets to her retail success, shares what is what like winning the motorcycle and explains why supporting Help A Hero is so important to her.

This episode is with Chris Wiley, a Lt. Colonel in the US Army, and his wife, Samantha. They describe Colonel Wiley's deployment to Iraq, the impact a deployment has on a family, the brain embolism he suffered while in Iraq and Samantha's efforts to fight for his life and for their family once he returned to the States . They also describe how a trip to Sport Clips changed their lives!

In this episode, we interview Jen Richard as part of our "Haircuts with Heart" Series. She is a Help A Hero Scholarship recipient and a Boise State graduate who is currently using her scholarship towards earning her Cosmetology License. Jen is now a Sergeant in the US Army Reserves and details her gripping story of survival from a mortar attack in Afghanistan and the long road of recovery she has bravely traveled. Jen also explains what she hopes to do with her license and how she plans to give back to her fellow veterans. Since 2013, Sport Clips has been the primary supporter of the VFW’s Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship program, which provides scholarships for service members and veterans for use at post-secondary schools and trade schools. To date, we have awarded more than 1,400 scholarships totaling $6.5 million. From October 14 through November 11, 2019, Veterans Day, Sport Clips locations around the country will be collecting funds in-store and 100% of donations will be given to the VFW to ensure we can continue to support the educational goals of our service members and veterans. Be sure to visit a Sport Clips over the next month, get the MVP and donate to this worthy cause.

This episode is with Shamaila Taj, the Marketing Director for the Taj Team Leader group in Southern California. In this interview, Shamaila explains what inspired her to coordinate a Shave-A-Thon, the process for becoming a Volunteer Event Organizer with the St. Baldrick's Foundation and the emotional impact of also participating as a shavee. As the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation believes that kids are special and deserve to be treated that way. St. Baldrick’s funds are granted to some of the most brilliant childhood cancer research experts in the world and to innovative explorers who bring with them the promise of a future free from childhood cancers. Kids need treatments as unique as they are – and that starts with funding research just for them. In 2016, Sport Clips Haircuts proudly signed on as St. Baldrick’s’ first National Partner, committing to give more than $1 million in support of childhood cancer research over the next three years. In 2019, we recommitted our efforts and will donate another $1 million to the organization over the next 3 years.

In this episode, we interview Emtahen Abdullah, the "Barber from Baghdad" who manages IL208. Emtahen describes the cultural and physical obstacles she has overcome throughout her amazing career. She also details her immigration from Iraq after 9/11, how she found a home at Sport Clips and the importance of family.

This episode is with Vinny Antidormi and his family. Vinny is an Honored Child with the St. Baldrick's Foundation. Vinny's parents, Jason and Brenda, walk us through Vinny's cancer diagnosis and treatment, while Vinny and his big brothers, Jake and Luke, share their perspective on how cancer has impacted their family and every day routine. As the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation believes that kids are special and deserve to be treated that way. St. Baldrick’s funds are granted to some of the most brilliant childhood cancer research experts in the world and to innovative explorers who bring with them the promise of a future free from childhood cancers. Kids need treatments as unique as they are – and that starts with funding research just for them. In 2016, Sport Clips Haircuts proudly signed on as St. Baldrick’s’ first National Partner, committing to give more than $1 million in support of childhood cancer research over the next three years. In 2019, we recommitted our efforts and will donate another $1 million to the organization over the next 3 years.

This episode is with Jane Hoppen, Director of Family Relations for the St. Baldrick's Foundation. In this podcast, Jane describes what drew her to getting involved with St. Baldrick's Foundation, how families are impacted by a cancer diagnosis and what everyone can do to fight childhood cancer. As the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation believes that kids are special and deserve to be treated that way. St. Baldrick’s funds are granted to some of the most brilliant childhood cancer research experts in the world and to innovative explorers who bring with them the promise of a future free from childhood cancers. Kids need treatments as unique as they are – and that starts with funding research just for them. In 2016, Sport Clips Haircuts proudly signed on as St. Baldrick’s’ first National Partner, committing to give more than $1 million in support of childhood cancer research over the next three years. In 2019, we recommitted our efforts and will donate another $1 million to the organization over the next 3 years.

This episode is an interview with John Kohler, the Area Developer for Michigan, Illinois and Eastern Missouri, a region that includes over 170 Sport Clips locations. John is one of the most widely respected and beloved members of the Sport Clips family, and is celebrating his 15th year as an A.D. In this interview, John shares how he transitioned from a rewarding career in Corporate America to successfully launching Sport Clips in a new market. John also opens up about the importance of teamwork and what he has learned over the years, as well as how his day-to-day role has shifted since he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

This episode is with Scott Lenfestey and his mother Nancy, an Honored Family with the St. Baldrick's Foundation. In this podcast, Scott chronicles his battle with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and the ways cancer research has helped in his remission. Nancy also explains how a family's life is turned upside down with a cancer diagnosis and what they have done to stay positive through it all. As the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation believes that kids are special and deserve to be treated that way. St. Baldrick’s funds are granted to some of the most brilliant childhood cancer research experts in the world and to innovative explorers who bring with them the promise of a future free from childhood cancers. Kids need treatments as unique as they are – and that starts with funding research just for them. In 2016, Sport Clips Haircuts proudly signed on as St. Baldrick’s’ first National Partner, committing to give more than $1 million dollars in support of childhood cancer research over the next three years. Learn more about St. Baldrick’s by visiting their website, and join us in supporting their important mission! Whether you want to host a St. Baldrick’s signature head-shaving event in your community, or “brave the shave” yourself, there are many ways to get involved! In the podcast, we mention a few highlights and other organizations. Here’s a link to Scott’s speech at the 6th Congressional Childhood Cancer Summit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRcRXFN6L1g&t=189s And JUST TRYAN IT seeks to positively impact the lives of families whose children have been diagnosed with cancer by providing them with financial assistance. They help ease the financial burden of childhood cancer families that often struggle to make ends meet during treatment. https://justtryanit.com/

In this episode, we interview Katie Hackney. Katie manages VA206 and was recently named "Rookie Manager of the Year" at the 2019 National Huddle. In this podcast, we hear about her 12 year career at Sport Clips, why she eventually accepted a management role, how she juggles her busy schedule with being a single mom and secrets to her success.

In this episode, we interview Specialist Taylor Clinker as part of our "Haircuts with Heart" Series. Specialist Clinker is recovering from a debilitating leg injury that he suffered in a soccer match while deployed in Germany. He is currently rehabbing at Walter Reed Hospital in Bethesda, MD and shares with us what that experience is like. We sat down to interview Specialist Clinker following a dinner hosted by the Aleethia Foundation. The mission of the Aleethia Foundation is to support injured service members with therapeutic recreation, small financial grants, family emergency aid, assistive technology items, and home improvements to assist with an injured service member's mobility and other unmet needs. Sport Clips is proud to sponsor “Friday Night Dinners” which provide injured veterans and their families with the opportunity to enjoy a great meal while socializing – an integral part of the healing process. To learn more about the Aleethia Foundation, please visit: www.aleethia.org

This episode is an interview with Debra Sawyer, a Team Leader with over 20 stores in VA and FL who was recently named a "Franchise Rock Star" by the Franchise Business Review. In this episode, Debra speaks openly about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship and franchising. She also gives us a glimpse into how she successfully navigated the early years of juggling franchising with a full-time job and raising her daughters, what she would have done differently and what makes being a Team Leader at Sport Clips so special.

In this episode, we interview Major Peter Way as part of our "Haircuts with Heart" Series. Major Way is an Army Veteran who started a non-profit called Fight On, which provides adaptive sports and activities as well as general health and wellness activities for veterans and their families. Major Way is also on the board of America's Vets Dogs and shares with us how his service dog, Rory, helped heal him and his family during his struggle with PTSD. We sat down to interview Major Way following a dinner hosted by the Aleethia Foundation. The mission of the Aleethia Foundation is to support injured service members with therapeutic recreation, small financial grants, family emergency aid, assistive technology items, and home improvements to assist with an injured service member's mobility and other unmet needs. Sport Clips is proud to sponsor “Friday Night Dinners” which provide injured veterans and their families with the opportunity to enjoy a great meal while socializing – an integral part of the healing process. To learn more about the Aleethia Foundation, please visit: https://www.aleethia.org

This episode features an interview from 2018 with Megan Holzerman, the Manager of PA201. In this podcast, we hear about how she discovered her calling at Sport Clips, the ways she balances motherhood with managing her store and tips for successfully leading a healthy team.

This episode is with Robyn Raphael, Director of Corporate Relations at St. Baldrick's Foundation. In this podcast, Robyn details her experience as a mother of a young son who battled neuroblastoma, the "sneaky cancer". She walks us through his diagnosis, treatment and what his death ultimately inspired her to do. As the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation believes that kids are special and deserve to be treated that way. St. Baldrick’s funds are granted to some of the most brilliant childhood cancer research experts in the world and to innovative explorers who bring with them the promise of a future free from childhood cancers. Kids need treatments as unique as they are – and that starts with funding research just for them. In 2016, Sport Clips Haircuts proudly signed on as St. Baldrick’s’ first National Partner, committing to give more than $1 million dollars in support of childhood cancer research over the next three years. Learn more about St. Baldrick’s by visiting their website, and join us in supporting their important mission! Whether you want to host a St. Baldrick’s signature head-shaving event in your community, or “brave the shave” yourself, there are many ways to get involved!

In this episode, we interview Kirsten Buhr. She manages HI102 and serves as Area Manager for Hawaii. Kirsten shocked the Sport Clips world in April of 2019 by setting the record for most MVP's on a single Client in a single visit (100!). In this podcast, we discuss her World Record, as well as her inspirational managerial style and "Hawaiian Style" approach to building Sport Clips culture in her stores.

In this episode, we interview Jessica Sanders, an Area Manager in North Carolina. Jessica, who is a veteran of the US Army, details how she discovered her calling later in life and went back to college and cosmetology school when she turned 40. She also passes along important advice to others trying to overcome obstacles and realize their dreams.

This is the second part of our interview with Dan and Angie Roberts, who were recently named "Team Leaders of the Year" at the 2019 Sport Clips Huddle. In this episode, the Roberts discuss their approach to creating a healthy store culture, as well as how their Team Members have become part of their extended family over the years.

This is the first of two episodes with Dan and Angie Roberts, who were recently named "Team Leaders of the Year" at the 2019 Sport Clips Huddle. In this interview, the husband-wife duo discusses what first drew them to choosing Sport Clips over other viable franchising opportunities, how they have achieved a healthy work-life balance and what they did to overcome challenges in the early days.

In this episode recorded in April of 2019, we interview Nina Carilli, Jeffrey Crummie and Sherry DuCarme. Nina is the Manager, and Jeffrey and Sherry are the Team Leaders, of PA108, the store that won the coveted "Logan Trophy" at the 2019 National Huddle. In this podcast, we find out how this store found next level success and created winning opportunities for its Team Members and Clients.

In this episode, we interview Lisa Goodwin. Lisa is a U.S. Army Veteran and currently manages WV151, one of the busiest Sport Clips locations in the United States. Lisa and her store have reached numerous milestones, including best Grand Opening, Chairman's Club and more. Lisa also started a national trend by establishing the original record for most MVP's on a single Client in a single visit. In this podcast, we discuss her positive approach to life and what it takes to successfully manage a high volume store.

In this episode, we interview Hildamay "Kanga" Cruz. Hildamay is the Manager of IA601 and is one of two managers who was recently named "Manager of the Year" at the 2019 National Huddle. In this podcast, we hear about her rise to stardom, her immigration from Cuba as a child and the roots of her strong work ethic. (We also learn how she was nicknamed Kangacruz). Follow her on instagram at @mrs.hildamaycruz

This podcast interview is with Cortney Critser, Assistant Manager at CA755. This episode is the next in our "Survive and Advance" series. Throughout the series, we have been holding conversations with survivors of addiction, illness and other life challenges. In this episode, Cortney details her unimaginable introduction to meth, which lead to homelessness, jail time and suicidal depression. She also describes how she found peace and stability while at Sport Clips.

In this episode, we interview Maria Jones, a Sport Clips coach in the Pennsylvania and West Virginia area and a member of the Sport Clips Artistic Team. Maria explains how she landed her dream job at Sport Clips right out of beauty school, and also details her rise to the top, what it's like to perform on big stages and what's next for her career. Make sure to follow her on IG at @maria.jones3

In this episode, we interview the team from PA103. The winning store from our National Karaoke Contest shares with us the inside details of what went into their spoof video of the iconic song from Dirty Dancing that stole the show at our recent annual convention. Make sure to watch the video at: https://youtu.be/IUTpxZDZR0U

In this episode, we interview Kriss Sparks, manager of CO130. Kriss chronicles her battle with cancer, shares how she has been able to work despite her mounting health challenges and explains the impact Sport Clips made by assisting her financially twice through the Wayne McGlone Memorial Fund. The Fund was established to support team members in times of need through disaster relief payments. For more details, visit: https://sportclips.com/about-us/haircuts-with-heart/support/team-member-support

In this episode, we continue our "Haircuts with Heart" series, where we look at a few of the causes and charities Sport Clips supports. This podcast is with four winners of recent Hero Deal product contests. Every year, Sport Clips and its suppliers sponsor contests for stores to sell haircare products with a portion of those sales going toward the VFW's Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship program, which provides scholarships to active duty military and veterans. In this episode, we interview winning managers (and an Area Manager) of these contests. They share their secrets and tips of how they won and stories from the incredible trips they earned as Hero Deal winners.

In this episode, we interview the 6 Finalists for The Look. Each year, Sport Clips holds a national haircutting competition, The Look, where top stylists from across the U.S. and Canada are featured on stage at our National Huddle for a head-to-head battle for the title of ‘The Look Champion’. Recorded immediately after their performance, we talk to the finalists about how they made it to the Finals, their overall experience in the competition, and get their predictions on who will win.

This podcast interview is with Judy Green, a Manager at MN120. This episode is the next in our "Survive and Advance" series. Throughout the series, we have been holding conversations with survivors of addiction, illness and other life challenges. In this episode, Judy tells us how she survived a house fire in 2018, along with a cancer diagnosis and treatments, and explains how Sport Clips came alongside to assist her financially through the Wayne McGlone Memorial Fund. The Fund was established to support team members in times of need through disaster relief payments. For more details, visit: https://sportclips.com/about-us/haircuts-with-heart/support/team-member-support

In this episode of the podcast, we interview Barbara Montes, the reigning Area Manager of the Year. Barbara, who is married and has three sons, explains why putting her family first helped her discover her calling and paved the way for her successful career. She also credits her deep rooted faith for providing a good foundation for mentoring, managing and coaching other stylists.

In this episode of the podcast, we continue our "Secrets of My Success" series. Marty Jo Endres is a Multi-Unit Team Leader who began her Sport Clips career as a stylist at the first ever location in Minnesota. At the time, she was a single mother looking for a job but still struggling with believing in herself. In this interview, she explains how she turned her life around while at Sport Clips and the instrumental role the people, values and culture at Sport Clips had in shaping her future.

This episode is with Gabby Galarneau, cancer survivor and honored kid with St. Baldrick's Foundation. As the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation believes that kids are special and deserve to be treated that way. In 2016, Sport Clips Haircuts proudly signed on as St. Baldrick’s’ first National Partner, committing to give more than $1 million dollars in support of childhood cancer research over the next three years. In this podcast, Gabby details what her life was life before, during and after her cancer treatments. She also gives us a glimpse into the impact childhood cancer research is having on the lives and quality of life for all involved. For more information, visit: www.sportclips.com/sbf

In this episode, we sit down with the "Brain Trust" of the Sport Clips Huddles. Saronna Maldonado is the Sport Clips Director of Events, and Fileshia Almaguer is her trusty sidekick and the Sport Clips Event Coordinator. These two ladies plan every detail of the annual conventions for all 1,800+ Sport Clips locations in the US and Canada. In this podcast, we find out how they found success at Sport Clips, what it takes to pull off the biggest convention of the year, plus late breaking news about this year's Huddle.

This episode is the next in our series entitled "Haircuts with Heart" where we look at a few of the causes and charities that Sport Clips supports. In this episode, we interview Brittany Clay, co-manager of OH218 and mother of four children, who discusses her recent cancer diagnosis, updates us on her health status and explains how Sport Clips came alongside to assist her financially through the Wayne McGlone Memorial Fund. The Fund was established to support team members in times of need through disaster relief payments. For more details, visit: https://sportclips.com/about-us/haircuts-with-heart/support/team-member-support

This episode is with Kathleen Ruddy, CEO of St. Baldrick's Foundation. As the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation believes that kids are special and deserve to be treated that way. In 2016, Sport Clips Haircuts proudly signed on as St. Baldrick’s’ first National Partner, committing to give more than $1 million dollars in support of childhood cancer research over the next three years. In this podcast, Kathleen describes the impact St. Baldrick's Foundation is making on childhood cancer, the difference made through the partnership with Sport Clips and what's to come in the years ahead.

This episode is with Tommy Callahan. With 52 years in the salon industry, Tommy Callahan’s resume is impressive. A long-time vice president of worldwide education for John Paul Mitchell Systems, Callahan has also been an owner of a John Paul Mitchell school in Memphis, Tennessee and even did a stint as an advisor to the photography department of a prominent magazine publication. Callahan is a well-respected thought leader in the haircare industry. Sport Clips Haircuts Founder and CEO Gordon Logan knew that to be the best he needed to consult the best, so he sought out Callahan to advise on the creation of the stylist training systems for his emerging brand. The Sport Clips team worked with Callahan to develop the brand’s signature All Star Haircutting System prior to opening the first Sport Clips in 1993, based on a system that Callahan had developed for full-service salons. This system and its unmatched coaching system both set Sport Clips apart in its industry. In this podcast, Tommy explains how he got connected with Gordon Logan and Sport Clips in the early 90's, and also shares some of the greatest memories from his decades spent in the haircare industry.

In this episode of the podcast, we interview Sport Clips legend and founding member of the Artistic Team, Krystle Sierras. Krystle shares how a career at Sport Clips has allowed her to chase childhood dreams, including traveling the country, performing in front of large audiences and even appearing on TV. She explains how the safety net afforded her by Sport Clips during major life changes paved the way for her rise to the top. Make sure to follow her on IG at @krystlesierras_

This podcast interview is with Kelly Mcloughlin, Volunteer Event Organizer with St. Baldrick's Foundation. This episode is the next in our series called "Haircuts with Heart". Throughout the series, we have conversations with members of a few of the causes and charities that Sport Clips supports. Kelly describes how she got involved with St. Baldrick's and the personal reason she is so passionate about helping raise funds for childhood cancer research. For more information, visit: www.sportclips.com/sbf

This podcast interview is with Colleen Foster, a Stylist at MN120. This episode is the next in our "Survive and Advance" series. Throughout the series, we have been holding conversations with survivors of addiction, illness and other life challenges. In this episode, Colleen tells us how alcoholism tried to destroy her life and how she is doing in her recovery.

In this episode of the podcast, we continue our "Secrets of My Success" series. Almaz Haile, who is originally from Eritrea, speaks 4 languages, is a mother of 3 grown children, and began her career as a stylist determined to eventually operate her own Sport Clips locations. After becoming a manager and sharing her dream with anyone who would listen, Almaz eventually received the opportunity to purchase an existing Sport Clips location, and is currently a Multi-Unit Team Leader with stores in Dallas. Her story of determination and perseverance embodies the Sport Clips values and gives hope to those chasing their dreams.

Jan and Mark Mansfield are the Area Developers of North Texas and New Mexico, as well as Team Leaders of 5 stores in the Dallas and Lubbock area. The Mansfields started their Sport Clips journey in 1999. In this episode of the podcast, we discuss how they have balanced a healthy marriage and raising a family with their Sport Clips career, as well as topics such overcoming challenges, creating fun and memorable experiences for Team Members and more.

Duke Sorensen is the Area Developer of Utah and Idaho, as well as a Team Leader with 5 stores and one of the most beloved members of the Sport Clips family. In this episode of the podcast, we discuss what drew him to Sport Clips 15 years ago, the importance of living the Sport Clips values, and the reasons he loves what he does.