7 Questions with: Brad Swartz

Before coming back to the family business after graduating from Illinois, Brad had worked for the Urbana Park District, as well Sea Camp in the Florida Keys, where as a counselor he taught windsurfing and supervised scuba diving and snorkeling trips.

Awards and certifications Brad has received include Certified Graduate Remodeler, Certified Aging in Place Specialist, Business Journal 20 Under 40 and the Decatur Leadership Institute. Additionally, J. J. Swartz Co. has taken first place three years in a row for best remodeling company in the Herald & Review's annual Readers' Choice Awards.

Brad and his wife, Jennifer, live in Decatur and are expecting their first child - a daughter - in February.

QUESTIONS:

1. Describe a typical day.

I wear several hats at work including helping with day-to-day operations as well as lending a hand with our production team. The great thing about our company, and our industry, is that I do not have a typical day. One day I could be out on a fire job with one of our estimators, and the next day I will be running payroll. I really enjoy the variety in my job.

2. Who was your inspiration in life?

I have had many people throughout my life that have inspired me in one way or another. Teachers, friends, family, and loved ones all contributed something to how I view and live my life. However, my wife and parents would be at the top of the list of where I get most of my inspiration, as they are always pushing me to do my best and make the most out of everything I do.

3. What drives you?

I am self-motivated to make the best out of any situation that I run into. I try to get as much information as possible and then analyze that information to make a decision. Seeing myself and others succeed is a big factor in what drives me, and makes me go the extra mile.

4. What qualities make Decatur a great place to live?

Decatur has great people that are always striving to make Decatur better not only in our image but in who we are and what we stand for. Decatur has great restaurants, parks, golf courses, and so many activities for people of all ages to partake in. Another great thing Decatur offers is the opportunity to network with other professionals through organizations such at the 501 Club, Chamber After Hours, and other groups that are making moving to, and staying in, Decatur so much better.

5. What activities are you involved with in the community?

I am currently president of Metro Decatur Homebuilders Association, an organization that I am very passionate about. I am also in the Milliken Decatur Executive Association. I am a Decatur Leadership Alum as well as being an associate member of the Independent Insurance Agents of Metro Decatur.

6. After a long day at work, what do you do to relax?

Lately I have been working on our nursery, however I really enjoy golfing when the weather is right. Sometimes relaxing for me is watching a movie or good TV show with Jennifer. Nothing really relaxes me more than a weekend at the campground with my wife and dogs. However, I am really looking forward to "not having any time to relax" according to many of my friends and family when our little girl is born.

7. What is one thing that readers DON'T know about you?

Something that a lot of people may not realize is that I am the fourth generation of J.J. Swartz Co. and that this company has been in our family for over 87 years.