How did you first learn about CarePort, and what made you want to join the company?
I was actively looking for a new opportunity at the time, and CarePort checked all of the boxes. It’s a company with a worthwhile mission and great products that are actually helping achieve improved outcomes. The executive team was clearly mission-driven and had proven track records of success. Ultimately, I wanted to join the company for two reasons: first, CarePort is the leader in a green space with significant opportunity for growth. Second, and more importantly, the people. It’s a great group of people – really smart, talented folks – that are also humble. I thought, “I could hang out with these folks and learn a lot!” I was excited to spend years of my life getting to know everyone, and thoroughly enjoy it.
What aspect of your role do you enjoy most?
I enjoy helping leaders at hospitals and health systems solve real problems, help them innovate, help them try new things and succeed. Once you engage with an organization and its people, that whole process is exciting. It’s new, but you’re progressing. You become an advisor and are ultimately helping patients.
A big reason why I’m in healthcare and not another industry is because – at the end of the day, when you put your head down on the pillow – you have to be proud of what you sell and what you’re doing every day. I’m proud of what I do.
You’ve worked at a few healthcare organizations. What drew you to working in healthcare?
My dad was in healthcare sales. He was one of my idols growing up. From a young age I was driven to succeed because of my dad and all of the opportunities his hard work provided my family. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to do the same for my family. Also, of course, there’s the aspect of helping others. I didn’t want to sell something less personal. To me, working in healthcare, helping providers improve outcomes while making the experience better for patients – it gives me the feeling that I’m making a positive impact on a bigger picture.
How do you enjoy spending your time outside of work?
My wife and I have three children, so I enjoy spending as much time with them as I possibly can. They’re six, five and two. Two girls and a boy. Right now, we’re just trying to get them to try different activities. Learn new things. Be active. We’re always pretty busy taking them to practices, doing schoolwork, playing with them outside, movie nights, pizza nights, and so on – all of those fun things. I’m looking forward to taking them all – well, probably not our two-year-old – skiing this year. It was a big part of my life growing up.
Do you have a favorite quote?
I don’t have a favorite quote, but I do have a philosophy that I try to live by. Early in my career, there was a sales manager I worked with. He was a great guy. He shared with me something that drove him every day. He said, “At the end of the day, would your grandparents be proud of what you did?” Every detail: Did you put in the effort? Did you do the right thing? That stuck with me. Both of my grandfathers were WWII veterans. My grandmothers were amazing women. All hard workers. I’ve shared this sentiment with others and it usually resonates. You never want to disappoint your grandparents! There are families that are going through unthinkable challenges during COVID-19. However, some of our grandparents were impacted by multiple world wars, the Great Depression, and the Vietnam War… arguably greater challenges than many of us have ever faced.
Also, one of my grandfathers had a sign above the work bench in his garage that said, “Do.” I now have that sign in my office. So for me, it’s the combination of the two: “Would your grandparents be proud of what you’re doing, day in and day out?” and at the end of the day, “Do.” Get stuff done.
What is your favorite time of year?
Fall. I live in Michigan. The colors are beautiful. Football season! Fly fishing, hikes, and cider mills. I love all of it. You can’t beat sitting by a bonfire with friends and family on a chilly night. There’s nothing better.
Thank you to Aaron for participating in a Take Six blog interview! Learn more about CarePort in our other blog posts.
