Current Job Title:  Chief Financial Officer

Current Place of Employment:  D.R.I. Enterprises, Ltd.

City & State:  Decatur, Texas

ACU undergraduate major or degree:  BBA-Accounting

Briefly describe your job.   I am responsible for all accounting, finance, human resource, information systems and general and strategic operations.  I have purposefully chosen to work in smaller businesses to gain an understanding of all the processes of business, not just in a specific area.  In my position, I am involved in all aspects of the business from the big decisions to the little.  It takes work to learn to balance so many responsibilities and meet the needs of so many, but is well worth it.

What courses were beneficial in preparation for your career?  Psychology, accounting (of course) and Business and Professional Writing.  Working with people effectively is all about understanding their needs.  Psychology is a part of working with people to create win-win situations.  Accounting explains the foundation of good business decision-making.  With the advent of email (wasn't available when I was starting out!), good writing takes you to another level in communicating.  I also write articles for industry publications.

How did your career path lead you to your current position?  My first two positions were in public accounting; first with a small, local shop and then with a larger, regional firm.  I then went to a Controller position with a small, rapidly growing healthcare company.  Within 3 years, employees had grown from 35 to 900 and revenues had grown from $400k to $18 million.  I then found my current position with a business owner I had attended ACU with.  My experience with growth and knowledge of so many areas of business made me a great fit for the position.  Pray and faith have guided me each step of the way.

What does it take to be a Christian practitioner in your field?  Courage.  It's easy to lower your standards, very difficult to raise others.  As a Christian in business, you will find that most people want to do as little as possible for as much as possible.  To become a servant-leader (as modeled by Jesus), you must give a great deal.  I have found that most people are looking out for themselves, not looking out for others.  You must be willing to be taken advantage of by a few to give much to so many others.  

What do you love about your job?  First, I work in a Christian environment.  That makes 90% of the battle much easier.  Getting to wear boots and jeans and ride horses as a part of my job helps too.  Other than that, helping people to be successful, whether it's the owner of the company or one of the shipping clerks in our catalog operation.

What advice would you give to a student considering a career in your field?  Never lose the desire to learn.  I took for granted the opportunities I had while in college and had to play catch-up.  Fortunately, I have maintained an insatiable appetite for knowledge that has benefited me greatly.  Also, remain active in your church and never let your family suffer for the sake of the job.  Long hours are necessary at times but don't let your job rule your life.