CEO FILES - G. Michael Howard, American Executive Centers

Personal Information 

Name:  G. Michael Howard
Title:  President and CEO
Company, City: American Executive Centers, Philadelphia
Type of company:  Full-service executive suite and' business center
Number of employees: 63
Revenue in the Iast fiscal year: $9.5 million'
Recent project:  Launching two new divisions -My Admin, a virtual assistance division of AEC, and NetServe IT Consulting, an IT division serving small businesses
Education: University of Delaware, BS in accounting; Drexel University, MBA in finance
First job: Life Guard
Little known fact about you: There are none - I have a big mouth.
Home: Center City

BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY

Essential business philosophy: Invest in and understand technology and don't rely on it. Surround yourself with good people and rely on them,
Best way to keep a competitive, edge: Listen to clients and:constantly focus on their expectations. 
Yardstick of success: At the end of the day, knowing that our clients are successful and that our staff is happy to have helped them get there.
Goal yet to be achieved: I'd like to learn Spanish and French

JUDGMENT CALLS

Best decision: Deciding to work for a small company, as I have always enjoyed the opportunity to be involved in many areas of the business.
Worst decision: Not keeping my big mouth closed once in awhile,
Toughest decision: Our managers are key to the success of our business; it's always a tough and important decision to find the right one.
Mentor: Mike Dugan, chairman of the board, American Executive Centers

TRUE CONFESSIONS

Word that best describes you: Fair.
Like best about your job: My co-workers and clients.
Like least about your job: Having to drive on the Schuylkill Expressway, otherwise I love my job.
The most important lesson you've learned: Under­promise and over-deliver.
Life motto: It's not original but, "Work hard, play hard and don't think of one while you're doing the other."
Greatest fear: Public speaking.
Person most interested in meeting and why: Jon Stewart of "The 'Daily Show" -he's intelligent, well-informed and has a hysterical, irreverent slant on everything.
Company you respect most and why: CSA Group, a client located in our Marlton. NJ., fadlity. They have collaborated with our entire team, and grown from revenues of $50,000 ayear to more than $6 million.
First choice for a new career: Always wanted to be a dolphin trainer.
Most influential book: "How To Win Friends and Influence People," by , Dale Carnegie
Favorite movie: "The Pink Panther".
Favorite restaurant:  Daniel in New York City.
Favorite vacation spot:  Porto Fino in ltaly

Favorite room in the house and why: The kitchen, because I love cooking  and eating -and no matter how small the space, everyone always gathers there.
Favorite way to spend free time: Enjoying my friends and family.
Automobile you drive: BMW 330 convertible