5 minutes with

5 MINUTES WITH... Chris Finn

What’s your life philosophy?

Stay positive and never give up. You can do anything if you put your mind to it.

Best way to spend the weekend?

Adventures with my wife, Kristin, and our dog, Mochi. Walks in the park or on the dog beach, a beer garden – just relaxing and enjoying life.

What subject should be taught in school?

Entrepreneurship. The fundamentals of operating a business can be applied to all aspects of life.

Favourite time of the year?

Summer in Chicago. There is no better place to be from June to August.

What do you do in your spare time?

I love to travel, golf and ski, and spend time with friends and family.

What is humankind’s greatest invention?

Air travel. It has connected the world in ways never before possible and has had a major impact on almost every part of our lives.

What is on your bucket list?

Travel to all seven continents. Chris Finn

What’s your worst character trait?

My wife would say that I talk a lot – all the time, to anyone and everyone.

Your favourite artist?

I have two – Takashi Murakami and Banksy.

If you could trade places with someone for a day, who would it be?

My dog. Mochi’s got it made and I would love to know what goes on in his head all day.

What would you serve at a dinner party?

A nice steak, grilled vegetables and quite a few bottles of wine.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Trainers. I love collecting limited edition shoes, specifically adidas YEEZY trainers (and slides). As Forrest Gump said: “There’s an awful lot you can tell about a person by their shoes...”

Best compliment that you have ever received?

That my Dad would be proud of the person I have become.

CAREER Q&A

Describe your current job.

I’m VP at Schoen & Associates, the best manufacturers’ rep firm in the Midwest! I celebrated my 15-year anniversary in June – time flies when you’re having fun.

Favourite office product?

My Supreme Kaweco Al Sport ballpoint pen.

Your best piece of advice to someone who has just joined the OP industry?

Stick with it. It’s a great industry filled with great people. There is a ton of opportunity for the younger generation to get involved and make a lasting impact.

Your worst ever job?

The summer before starting college, I worked in a dry cement factory cleaning up around the machines. It was hot, dusty and reminded me never to skip class.

Best moment in your career so far?

Being featured on this page in OPI!

If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?

More positivity around its current state and future. We should focus more on the opportunities generated by change rather than the challenges it inevitably creates.