Describe your very first job and what lessons you learned from it.
My first job was working as an ice cream scooper at a Baskin Robbins/31 Flavors shop in Tucson. I think the most important thing I learned was a good work ethic. I spent a lot of hours on my feet and had to use real muscle for the job (I may have developed Popeye forearms before long), and that taught me the value of earning a dollar and using money wisely. I also love ice cream, so being near all those new flavors was a nice bonus.

Describe your first job in your industry and what you learned from it.
I worked in government at the legislature and I realized my love for public service, as corny as it may sound. I think it’s important to enjoy what you do at the time you are doing it, and take away experiences that you will carry with you forever. I love working with the economic development community, my staff and communities across the state, and I can honestly say that my jobs in both the private and public sector have helped me in some way in this capacity.

What were your salaries at both of these jobs?
Baskin Robbins (1972) — I can remember how to make a coffee milk shake but not what I earned. I think it was about $3 an hour. Legislature (1979) — About $9,000 a year.

Who is your biggest mentor and what role did they play?
I would have to say my father. Dad and I remained very close throughout the years, despite our very different political beliefs. He was passionate about his career (he was a well-known and respected lawyer in Tucson), but always very dignified and proud of me, my brother (who is also an attorney in Tucson) and our mom. Even as an octogenarian, he continued to drive himself to the Northwestern United States on vacation every year. He taught me that there are no limits to what a person can do, and that each of us is only as old as we allow ourselves to be.

What advice would you give to a person just entering your industry?
Work hard, listen, allow for constructive criticism, be open to suggestions and be honest with yourself and the people around you. Don’t make promises you can’t keep, and if you don’t know the answer to a question, don’t be afraid to say so. Be willing to compromise, assist in finding solutions and learn to pick your battles.

If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing instead?
Assuming Bonnie Raitt isn’t looking for a back up singer, I would probably start my business again. For the time being, it’s difficult to think of doing anything else.