Welcome to The 6 a.m. CFO, where finance chiefs share how they jump-start their days and engage with the tasks that are in front of them.
Today, Pittsburgh Botanic Garden’s CFO, Bob Mermelstein, shares his morning routine.
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Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
- Sixty-five acres of public gardens and woodlands to inspire people to value plants, garden design and the natural world by cultivating plant collections of the Allegheny Plateau and temperate regions.
- Year founded: 1991
- Number of employees: 47
- Revenue: About $3.8 million
MORNING ROUTINE
Weekday wake-up time: I typically get out of bed around 6 a.m., but I typically sleep for only about three to four hours a night. I know, not the healthiest habit, but someone has to worry about the Garden day and night. I win (or lose)!
Morning beverage choice: Black coffee and more black coffee — another one of my not-so-healthy habits.
Non-work-related morning activities: Not many anymore. I used to enjoy a nice walk in the Garden but now, due to some health-related limitations, I no longer get enjoy that fringe benefit of working at a botanic garden.
Workday start time: Technically, I start at the office around 8 to 8:30 a.m. That said, it’s always on my mind. Another bad habit, I can’t leave my work at my office.
How I usually spend the first hour of my day: I have about a 20-minute commute to the office, and I pass the time listening to a mystery/thriller on Audible. Once at the office, I drink black coffee and then have more black coffee.
Time I send out my first email: Usually within 15 minutes of arriving for my workday, though I have been known to respond to emails at 3 a.m. since I’m up anyway.
Best advice for writing an effective email: I’m a bit of a storyteller. Since nonprofit finance can be a difficult concept for some to understand, I typically try to use lay English to describe what I’m trying to describe. Though some do understand the language, often lay speak is a better course.
First dashboard I review: I’m checking on daily revenues throughout every day. If it doesn’t come in, it can’t go out.
How I structure my morning meetings: I try to make my meetings relaxing, open and informative. I struggle, at times, with listening, but I work hard to do exactly that.
Mid-morning snack of choice: More black coffee!
Tell us about a recent morning that didn’t go as planned: Most of my mornings don’t go as planned. The curse of being a CFO is that your days are generally interrupted during the business day, which is why I take my work home with me, either literally or having it be front and center in my mind 24/7. I know, not healthy.
INSPIRATION AND LEADERSHIP
Favorite quote or mantra: Don’t fret about things you can’t control.
Favorite leadership lesson: Give those who report to you the room to grow without forcing “my way” on them.
Something important to know about me that you wouldn’t know from my business bio: I was a swimming official for USA Swimming (my daughters were competitive swimmers). I was a referee (mostly because I got to blow a whistle).
Favorite number: 32. It always has been 32. Turns out to be Franco Harris’ number for my beloved Steelers. I’m sure he picked it because it was my favorite number.
Most noteworthy items in my workspace: I have an engraved stone that says, “A cluttered desk is the sign of a genius.” I resemble that remark.
Do you have a pet, and is it with you right now? Until recently, we had two dogs, Oliver and Ruby. Sadly, Oliver passed away at the young age of nine. Ruby will be seven. She and Oliver shared a father. He was her brother from another mother.
Favorite app on my phone that is not related to business: GroupMe. I communicate with a core group of friends from college just about every day. They are dear friends and I appreciate this outlet to communicate easily and often. We usually talk about everything Indiana but we share in each other’s grief and triumphs, as well.
The year, make and model of your first car: 1974 Buick Regal with a landau top and an 8-track!
Most influential or famous person you’ve ever met: Arnold Palmer. I was and always will be part of Arnie’s Army. I also met Monty Hall.
Most inspirational people in your life: My parents, for sure. My father was and always will be my hero. He’s been gone for over 30 years, and I miss him every day. My mother, a self-described tomboy, taught me most of what I know athletically. She was a great golfer, and I cherished my time with her on the golf course. I would be remiss (and in deep trouble) if I didn’t mention my wife, who is my rock and will always be the love of my life…just ahead of my kids.
