The Interview: Expect the Unexpected

 

James N. Kinney worked his way up the proverbial corporate ladder: The CPA began working in a small firm and today is a partner with WeiserMazars LLP, a top 20 firm with a French accent that’s often cited as one of the best places to work in New York and New Jersey.

A long-time member of the Fair Media Council’s Board of Directors, Kinney’s penchant for discussing news and those in the news ranks right up there with his love for discussing granddaughter, Emma. Well, almost. He also wants to host the most eclectic group of dinner guests, ever. Read on…

FMC: What are the 3 best things you’ve done in your life?

JNK: Met Sandy Grant in college who went on to be Sandy Kinney,  my wife! Fathered my two children. Joined my firm, now known as WeiserMazars LLP, in 1980 as an associate which led to a partner position with the firm in 1989.

If you promise a client something by tomorrow, get it to them today.

FMC: What mistake did you make that turned out to be your best learning experience?

JNK: Bad penmanship caused me to be get a C grade because my teacher could not read what I wrote. That never happened again. Thank goodness for PCs and Microsoft Word.

FMC: When you were 5 years old, what did you want to be when you grew up, and why?

JNK: The Lone Ranger. How cool was he! Mask, white hat, white horse, and a riding buddy named Tonto! How many friends do you have who are named “Tonto”?

FMC: Why do you do what you do?

JNK: I love to help people. A client once told me that he can change any of his service providers except for his CPA.  Oooooh the rush!

FMC: What’s your guilty pleasure?

JNK: Potato Chips, with that tacky, but yummy, creamy onion dip.

FMC: What gives you hope for the future?

JNK: My Children.

FMC: What’s your idea of a great day off from work?

JNK: Time spent with my granddaughter, Emma.

FMC: Coke or Pepsi?

JNK: I’m a proud member of the Pepsi generation.

FMC: Who was/is the most influential person in your life?

JNK: My wife, Sandy. She has never underestimated me but she never allows me to get too far ahead of my emotions.

FMC: Favorite restaurant (anywhere)?

JNK: Carte Blanche, Aruba.

FMC: Last book read?

JNK: Recently “The Rogue Lawyer “ by John Grisham

FMC: Where do you get your news?

JNK: Mostly CNN, MSNBC, The New York Times and the New York Post.

FMC: What five people, living or dead, would you want to have dinner with?

JNK: Thomas Jefferson, JFK, Mother Teresa, Marilyn Monroe and Moses.

FMC: Favorite drink?

JNK: Vodka Martini. Extra dry. Four olives.

FMC: What’s the biggest misconception people have about you?

JNK: That I am taking them totally seriously. That’s a big mistake, because most of the time I am NOT!

FMC: Define leadership and tell us, who is your favorite leader and why?

JNK: Leadership is getting the right followers. Ronald Reagan was a favorite.

FMC: What’s your idea of success?

JNK: I paraphrase JFK’s definition of happiness: ‘The use of all my powers along the lines of excellence.’

FMC: What’s the best business advice anyone ever gave you?

JNK: If you promise a client something by tomorrow, get it to them today.