Spring 2013 TEMPO - Tampa Preparatory School

20changemakerstempo spring 2013above: David Tockman ’05, Stephen Hanily ’98, Brent Britton, R.B. Johnson ’79; at right: JenniferThompson ’96 Bravoinside where it might be less noticeable.As he related the details, some seniorsquickly picked up the essential elementsthat made it front-page worthy, whileothers debated.Jamal Wilson ’93, Senior ManagingPartner of Home Loan Alliance, stressedthe importance of business networking.He talked about the economy’s impact onhis business in 2009 and how networkingopened the door to starting the companyhe runs today. “You have networkingresources here at school. Don’t turn downan opportunity to stay connected,” he said.“Networking may be the factor that makesthe difference in your success.” Turning toRobert Bird ’92 sitting next to him on thepanel, Jamal said, “See, I’ve alreadyexchanged cards with Rob Bird today.”As seniors asked questions the panelistsanswered with often profound andoccasionally surprising answers. Here’s asample:q: What’s the most interesting thing aboutyour job?a: “Building a company means havingmy hand in changing someone’s life forthe better. That’s interesting.” (J. Wilson)“I’m an inventor. Thinking about thepossibilities is the most interesting thingI do.” (R. Bird) “Knowing that you’remaking a difference - like getting womenin Iraq the right to vote.” (D. Dixon)“The tax code is always interesting. Youfind out how you can put smiles onclients’ faces.” (H. Garcia) “Learning tounderstand the fascinating people I meet.Figuring out how to get along withothers. How can I get something backand give something, too.” (L. Henthorne)q: When did you know what you wantedto do?a: “I tried a lot of different things untilI settled on what I do now. And I reallylike what I do.” (S. Hanily) “I neveranticipated being a politician. I majoredin the History of Ideas and planned to geta Ph.D. Then one thing led to anotherand I ran for the City Commission andthen Mayor. Things were turbulent in mycity and I felt I had to get involved.Sometimes duty calls.” (R.B. Johnson)q: How do you see your career evolving inthe future?a: “After a couple of years, I’ll get agraduate degree and then go back intobusiness.” (D. Tockman) “Every professionsort of ends. The legal arena is a