What is the significance behind your company’s name?
“The name dates back 20 years to when the company was originally founded. When we bought the business in 2005, we felt the name had solid brand equity in the market, plus it’s unique and memorable. We also like the fact that Celtic means different things to different people. There’s a bit of mystery surrounding it. Plus, it didn’t hurt that I’m Irish.”
What was the smartest thing your company did in the past year?
“We invested in our people. When you’re in the service business, there’s no better investment. Last year, we looked beyond traditional salaries and benefits and tried to come up with other ways to make Celtic a fun and engaging place to work. We added things like summer hours, surprise company outings, employee challenges and a bar stocked with Guinness and other spirits. We also made some smart hires and elevated some long-term employees to leadership positions. Investing in our employees is a top priority.”
What’s new at your company?
“Without a doubt, the growth of digital communication has kept us on our toes. In the past year, we’ve continued to invest in our digital service offering, including web development and social media management. More and more clients are coming to us looking for direction on how to tackle social media. We’re helping our clients develop smart social strategies based on defined goals. We’re also handling content creation and day-to-day management.”
What will be your company’s main challenges in the next year?
“Managing growth is always challenging. First and foremost, we want to be smart about the way we grow so it doesn’t impact the level of service and quality our clients have come to expect. Second, we want profitable growth so we can continue to invest in our employees and infrastructure. And finally, we need to find the right people to help us grow. We’re not only looking for people who are great at what they do, but they need to fit our brand and culture. A cultural ‘fit’ is extremely important to us.”
How do you describe your company’s brand?
“Our brand is a reflection of our people. Ultimately, our employees are the ones who deliver the Celtic brand experience. If you look at our team, it’s comprised of highly talented, creative people who truly care about our clients and their success. We’re the type of folks you can grab a cup of coffee with or perhaps a pint of beer. We pride ourselves on being approachable and easy to work with.”
Do you have a business mantra?
“Relationships matter. In today’s world of e-mail, social media and video teleconferencing, you still need to nurture relationships with your employees, clients and vendors. The best business relationships I have are with people I personally know and trust. In addition, you have to give back. We’re in business to do great work, but we’re also here to make a difference when it comes to our employees and our community.”
From a business perspective, who do you look up to?
“I admire my dad. He started a business from scratch and was involved in all areas of the operation until he retired. I respect anyone who is willing to put their name, reputation and money on the line for something they believe in.”
What was the best advice you ever received?
“Count your blessings, not your problems. That works both personally and professionally.”
What moment or accomplishment are you proudest of in your career?
“Without a doubt, purchasing Celtic with my business partner (Kurt Lingel) was my proudest moment. We were both in our mid-30s with young families. We took a leap of faith and have never looked back.”
What do you like to do in your free time?
“I try to spend as much time with my family as possible, and I love anything that gets me outdoors. I enjoy camping, hiking, biking, running and anything else that includes sunshine and fresh air.”
