Interviewed by Mary Pannabecker Steiner
Long ago in another lifetime, you used to help your sister, Caroline, entertain our daughters when she was babysitting. Last I remember, you were working somewhere near Beaverdam, so I'm obviously behind the times. Explain briefly what you did after college in the way of work?
Yes, I worked at Northwest Ohio Towing in Beaverdam for Joe Seeling for a number of years. I started as a laborer, and Joe wisely decided I'd be better suited behind a desk. Then I moved to Toledo and worked as an accounting analyst for an auto parts manufacturer, Toledo Molding & Die. At the time, living and working in Toledo (the city!) seemed like such a huge leap for me.
What year did you graduate from BHS?
I graduated in 1992 the year of the 'Dream Team.' ...but no, I wasn't on the team.
When you think of your years growing up in Bluffton, what do you remember? Any favorite teachers or classes?
My fifth grade math teacher, Mr. Kruse (a.k.a. "Dad") was my favorite elementary teacher. His classes were always entertaining. Perhaps I should tell my dad that. I don't think I've ever shared that with him. In high school, Mr. Place, Mrs. Goode, and Mr. Raabe were my favorites. But all my teachers were great, and I'd like to issue a blanket apology because I know I didn't make their jobs easier.
Do you have any stories to tell about school and/or after school - any secrets you've kept over the years?
I received one "Saturday school." It was for something two friends did, some minor graffiti. Anyway a group of about six of us were indicted for the crime. Our punishment was to spend Saturday cleaning the graffiti under the semi-supervision of the janitor, Delmer. I remember I brought in doughnuts for everyone, we played basketball in the gym, raced on those old square boards with wheels, and in the final 20 minutes we threw some soapy water on the graffiti and called it a day.
Where did you attend college?
I received an associate's degree in accounting from Rhodes (Lima Tech, in my day), and a bachelor's degree in business administration/finance, from the University of Toledo. Part-time night school for both degrees, finished in a swift decade.
When you were in high school/college, did you ever dream of being where you are now or doing what you're doing?
I never dreamed I'd be living outside Ohio, much less Europe. I was terrified of traveling to foreign places, and I'm not sure why.
When did you move to Switzerland? Why? Who are you working for and what is your job? Do you speak English there or have you learned a Swiss/German dialect?
My wife, Jodi, and I moved to Zurich, Switzerland in July 2006. She is a CPA, and her career brought us here. I just tagged along for the ride, not knowing if I would be able to receive a work permit, or find a job. Luckily, I found a position as a financial analyst with X-Rite, Inc., just outside Zurich. X-Rite manufactures devices that measure color (I didn't realize there was a need to measure color before this job). In our office we have people from all over the world and English is the working language, which is great for me. I can read a menu in German, and not much more.
How did you meet your wife?
Jodi is originally from Bryan, Ohio. She was auditing my employer (and me) in Toledo. She was there over our company's holiday lunch, and the H/R director had talked me into playing a guitar and singing during the lunch (I'm not musically talented, but that doesn't always stop me). Long story short: gals dig guys with guitars, talented or not. She approached me afterwards.
Have any family or friends visited you in Switzerland?
Yes, we've have had a lot considering how far it is to drop by for a visit. My sister's family, our parents, and a few Blufftonites. We don't have much space, but we enjoy the company.
With all the Swiss connections in Bluffton, do you have any Swiss on either side of your family?
Nein.
How is living in Switzerland different from Bluffton? Are there any similarities?
There are similarities. urich has a small town feel. It's very safe, and you see people out walking every day. But you don't approach people here. People like to keep to themselves -- that took a little getting used to. The biggest difference is the cost. We experienced sticker-shock for a long time, and still do. Zurich is perennially a top ten most expensive city in the world. To give an example: Starbucks grande latte is $8 Swiss Francs, which equates to about $8 USD given the current exchange rate. Yikes! I quickly learned to make lattes at home.
I saw some pictures of you with skis. Have you learned to ski? If so, where do you do that? The Alps?
We are still learning to ski. I used to dread the winter; it's nice to have something to look forward to now. We try to go down to the Alps every other weekend in ski season. The Alps are about an hour or so travel time by train. We don't own a car, so lugging the skis from the apartment to the train station is as much of a workout as the actual skiing.
What do you miss about being so far from "home" (spec. family and friends)?
I miss friends a lot. It's great when they come and visit, but it makes me miss them more when they leave. Also I miss not seeing my niece and nephews grow up, and (miss) developing a stronger relationship with them.
You mentioned that you'll be moving back to the States, living in Raleigh, N.C. Is this related to your current job?
No, no, no--my wife is the career person in this family dynamic. She's the workaholic. I'm the lazy one. Together, we get a nice blend.
Do you ever consider moving back to this area? Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I don't see us moving back to Bluffton, or even Ohio. I like Ohio. But now that I've started traveling, I wouldn't mind it if we moved to new city every five years. ...of course, only if my wife is doing all the packing.
