HFMA is pleased to bring you a recurring feature on the blog, the Board and Committee Member Spotlight. Below is an interview with one of our board members, Evan Dressel, discussing his history and future with HFMA. Keep an eye out for more interviews coming regularly.
What leadership skill has been most useful?
[ed] I’ve spent a lot of time on this topic and thinking about what skills and styles have helped me to be most successful. For me, it has been the ability to connect with practically anybody and find a point of similarity. I’ve consciously worked on being more open-minded to other opinions and appreciating where people are coming from, even when we are in disagreement on a topic. This has allowed me to build strong rapport with clients and business partners.
What book are you currently reading, podcast are you listening to or a series you are binge watching?
[ed] I’m currently reading the book, Beyond Entrepreneurship (B.E.) 2.0 by Jim Collins. My favorite podcast right now is the PBD Podcast where they discuss world and business events from a variety of political viewpoints.
What was your first job and how did you end up with it?
[ed] My first job was actually as a pool cleaner. I helped pool owners keep their water clear, and would spend long hours vacuuming and skimming pools to remove algae and debris. I learned a lot through this job about customer service and being responsible to show up to a job site on time. I’d be lying if I said I never “fell in” on some of the hotter days!
How has your time as an HFMA member benefitted you?
[ed] I’ve been able to meet a lot of great people from all over the country through my HFMA membership. It has given me incredible opportunities to travel and work with people from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives.
What led you to become an HFMA Board Member/Committee Chair?
[ed] I started by volunteering as a committee member for the Revenue Cycle Conference at Gillette Stadium. Honestly, at first I just wanted to go to Gillette. As I got more involved, I took on more of a role of facilitating our group calls which taught me great lessons of how to delegate and share responsibility with our team.
What are you most looking forward to in your role as Board Member/Committee Chair?
[ed] I’m really looking forward to continuing the great tradition of the annual golf tournament and also encouraging the involvement of younger/early-careerist type professionals with our group.
What do you like to do when you are not working?
[ed] My wife and I love taking our dog Boone for hikes and to the beach. I also am an avid golfer and passionate hockey player.
Who do you admire the most? Can be fictional character, celebrity, scholar!
[ed] The late Steve Jobs is someone I’ve spent a fair amount of time studying as of late. His visionary ability was absolutely incredible. One of my favorite lessons from Jobs was that Apple was not intending to merely create transactional computing, but rather to create computers that enabled “bicycles of the mind”. I think our industry can, and will experience more of this type of vision as digital disruptors play a larger role.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-dressel-mba-chfp-realtor%C2%AE-64b68973/