Name: John Patterson
SPG Career: Vice President of Talent
Special Accomplishment: Traded out Maxwell House and replaced with Starbucks in the first 30 days on the job

Hurry Up and Slow Down

John Patterson works at "the speed of the Internet" yet knows the importance of slowing down to enjoy time with his two daughters. "There’s just nothing like the sound of a toddler’s giggles," he says. Mr. Patterson recently accepted an appointment as the Vice President of Talent in a high-velocity E-Commerce environment and feels he made a great career move. "I have a high-energy personality and enjoy the pace," he states. "I feel that now is the time join the New Economy. I didn’t own a computer before I accepted this position – that sure has changed!"

Mr. Patterson is a true Internet convert. While his present position came with a lucrative stock option package and a sound opportunity to make a difference in a young company, he is motivated and enthused by the company’s business model. "This is truly a virtual company," he states. "We leverage the capabilities of the Internet to bring value to consumers and suppliers at a price that benefits both. I get really excited about granting access to products and services to consumers who would otherwise would be locked out."

He makes a comparison between his company’s business model and his latest experience with the head HR recruiter with the Solomon-Page Group. "Barbara is like my company," he laughs. "She provides a value-added service by putting buyers and sellers together when it makes sense." Her guidance was invaluable for Mr. Patterson when he was assessing this opportunity against a promotion he had been offered at his previous employer. "She challenged me to think about this both intellectually and emotionally. She really put my interests first," he states.

"Fabulous," is how Mr. Patterson characterizes this career move. "The Internet is a fun space to work in. We’re really changing the way business gets done. Sometimes we need to stop to realize just how much fun we’re having here," he says. He finds time to slow down and enjoy life by collecting vintage California wines, gardening and playing with his children. "I can literally spend an hour rolling on the floor with my daughters," he laughs. "Oh – and another family activity is shopping on the Internet…Of course!"