Lee Goodman is president and chief executive of Jerome’s Furniture. Founded in 1954, Jerome’s is a San Diego-based family owned and operated business that sells furniture. It has 370 employees.
RESUM & #201;
– & #8201;Name: Lee Goodman.
– & #8201;Company: Jerome’s Furniture.
– & #8201;Title: President and CEO.
– & #8201;Education: Bachelor of Science degree with a major in finance from the University of Connecticut in 1993.
– & #8201;Birthplace: Boston.
– & #8201;Age: 37.
– & #8201;Current residence: La Jolla and Glastonbury, Conn.
– & #8201;Family: Divorced with two kids, Maxwell, almost 8, and Parker, 5.
BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY
Essential business philosophy: Creating a can-do, “make-it-happen” culture is key. If an issue arises, let’s get to the root of the problem. I strive to make sure we put the right people in the right place doing the right thing … and, I value assessment: measure, measure, measure!
Best way to keep a competitive edge: Ability to differentiate your company from the competition. Continuous systems improvement and people development , conducted with a sense of urgency.
Guiding principle: Maintain a high level of empathy.
Yardsticks of success: Feeling of accomplishment based on results. Balance of work and pleasure.
Goal yet to be achieved: Longevity.
JUDGMENT CALLS
Best business decision: Going into business with my dad.
Worst business decision: Mixing friends and business.
Toughest business decision: Leaving Bob’s Discount Furniture after
12 years.
Biggest missed opportunity: I don’t feel I’ve missed one.
Mentor: My dad.
Word that describes you: Relentless.
TRUE CONFESSIONS
What you like best about your job: Watching employees’ personal development and growth; being able to impact change and create income for many.
What you like least about your job: Having to make a decision that is best for the company, but unfavorable to the employees.
Pet peeve: Self-preservation over the good of many.
Most important lesson learned: Always put yourself in the other person’s shoes.
Person most interested in meeting: My grandchildren.
Three greatest passions: My boys, my work, traveling.
First choice for a new career: Ambassador to Italy.
PREDILECTIONS
Favorite quote: “You are your experiences and your expectations.”
Most influential book: “Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don’t,” by Jim Collins.
Favorite status symbol: I don’t like them, unless you are talking about cars.
Favorite restaurant: Osteria Romantica in La Jolla.
Favorite place for business meetings: Over lunch; I find people are more comfortable.
Favorite vacation spot: Italy , I love the food more than the museums.
Favorite way to spend time: Quality time with my boys and John Madden.
, Andrew Schweizer