Meet Alan

We’ve all come to Open Eye from diverse backgrounds. What are some of your career or personal highlights to date?

I’ve had an extensive career in a variety of business operations; namely, business administration and financial management. I started my career in Dallas, Texas as a CPA working for a regional accounting firm; after ten years, I relocated to Indianapolis (where I grew up) and worked with a drug store chain and other retaill followed by the travel industry.

What mindset or skills do you bring to leaders who are navigating change?

Change is both a fact of life and necessary for a business to adapt and to remain relevant in the marketplace. I always encourage leaders to embrace change and avoid wasting their energy fighting it.

Part of The Open Eye Way is to listen to our clients more than we speak. Why is this important?

Listening is the primary aspect of learning. As a consultant, being a good listener is critical and a value to the client. When we listen, we do not just ask questions, but the right questions. A good listener hears what is important to the client, their goals/objectives and their “why.”

How do you balance work and personal life as a consultant? What do you love to do in your spare time?

I set goals for both work and personal. I am a list-type person! In my spare time, you can find me on a golf course, gym, or with a camera in hand. I enjoy golf, photography and travelling. My wife and I have also just joined the pickleball craze – we will see how that goes!

A fun one: if you could work for any fictional character, who would it be and why?

I would be the Wizard of Oz. In his own way, he wanted to make people’s dreams come true and he liked working behind the scenes.

What do you think is the most important trait for success in consulting?

Listening! We have two ears and one mouth for a reason. Providing expertise and experience to help the clients meet their objectives and being a seamless extension of their business - respecting their culture and personnel.

What advice would you provide clients who are navigating a turbulent season?

It always appears worse from the inside: step back and evaluate. Create goals and steps to measure along the way, and finally, adapt them when necessary. If you follow in a disciplined manner all the prescribed stepping stones they can lead you to a path of success.

What is the most rewarding part of the work that you do?

Being able to bring a successful conclusion and outcome to our clients.

Finally, what is a goal that you have for 2023, and how are you making it happen?

To make a successful transition to being a consultant after being an “employee” for all of my career up until this point. To use this opportunity to utilize my accumulated work experiences to assist Open Eye clients.

Thank you, Alan! We are thrilled to have you with us at Open Eye and partner with you on the next chapter of your career.