Park Ridge gets to add another notch to its ever growing event belt with its First Annual Vine Street BBQ Competition August 12, 12:00pm to 9:00pm  at the corner of S. Prospect and S. Summit. This is Park Ridge's first public grilling contest. Are you pumped? I am. Early this year, Park Ridge brought forth... Continue Reading →

I want to talk a little bit about an event I attended last weekend – The first ever Park Ridge Maine Street Craft Beer Festival. Now some of you may ask – but Steve, what does this have to do with being a better father or development?  Bear with me – First – a quick... Continue Reading →

I want to write - I really do. I just got back from an amazing conference, Mom 2.0 Summit, where I met amazing writers, content creators and influencers. I see that and I want to do that. And then I do nothing. Why? Why do I not make time to stretch the creative muscle and... Continue Reading →

I mentioned early on I wanted to take the things I learned in my career and use them to better my parenting and family life. Below is a selection from the leadership book I published a year or so ago. I'm A Leader! Now What Do I Do?: 50 Real Tips and Tricks for New Leaders... Continue Reading →

How much time did you invest in professional development last year? Really, think about that. I know as part of my Individual Development Plan, or IDP – I listed at least three measurable activities that I could point to and say – “Look at me, I’m better that I was!” Do you work for a... Continue Reading →

Originally published on LinkedIn - March 8, 2016 Over the last 15 years of my career, I can say I have almost always been reaching for the next rung on a ladder. Each year I earn a little more money. Each year I have a little more responsibility. Each move I make has been a... Continue Reading →

Originally published on LinkedIn - October 12, 2015 Are you busy? Got a lot on your plate? Feel like there isn’t enough time in the day? Sure, I think we’ve all been there. In this world of increasing activity, work is no different. Things are moving quickly leading to more and more and more important... Continue Reading →

Originally posted on LinkedIn - September 20, 2015 To inspire people to achieve great things, you need to set the vision. Cast a strategy and paint a picture for your team so they understand what you believe the future holds.  Got that? Great. But… What if they don’t believe you? What if they don’t agree... Continue Reading →

Originally posted on LinkedIn - September 7, 2015 Work is hard. It's stressful. Sometimes, it's real stressful. I don’t mean my work or your work or anybody’s work in particular. Just in general, there is a part of having to be someplace at an assigned time, complete assigned work , react to business emergencies (that... Continue Reading →

Originally published on LinkedIn - August 29, 2015 Written 8.23.2015 Last night I went to a little rock show in downtown Chicago. I wouldn’t say I go to a lot of shows, but maybe for a suburban father of 3, I go to more than some. Truly, I’ve always loved live music and wished to... Continue Reading →