I would have to say my parents. I’m a first generation, Polish kid. I grew up on the west side of Chicago. My parents were both in slave labor situations during WWII, not concentration camps, but they were both in forced labor. My dad immigrated to this country in 1949 and worked for the Chicago Transit Association. My mom came two years later and worked as a cleaner for the Archdiocese offices every night. My parents had a life that was 10 times harder than I could imagine.
My parents made me understand that I’m lucky. They told me I had an opportunity, so I took that to heart. Your influences start from home. My dad always said he didn’t have a chance and don’t squander your chances. My father died about eight years ago, but he got to see me become CEO and he was very proud of that. So, they’re my biggest inspiration.
