New position: senior director, Fahrenheit Finance, an accounting and financial services firm based in Henrico County.

Previous position: senior director, Bridge Associates, New York.

Birthplace: Tokyo, Japan

Education: bachelor's degree, Valparaiso University

Career: partner, Peat, Marwick Mitchell & Co. (now KPMG); senior vice president and chief financial officer, Best Products; president, First North American National Bank; executive vice president and chief administrative officer, AMF Bowling; president, Acme Markets of Virginia.

Best career move: “Joining Peat Marwick directly out of college. Public accounting provided me a foundation with opportunities to develop leadership and business acumen and expertise in different business sectors. This foundation supported my subsequent career choices and current board appointments. These include: chair, board of directors, Valparaiso University; chair, board of directors and related trusts, Concordia Plan Services (benefit plans, including pension and health care, for pastors and teachers); treasurer, Lutheran Services in America Inc.; board member, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans; board member and chair, audit committee, Crumbs Bake Shop Inc.”

Career goals: “Provide leadership and business guidance to companies and nonprofit organizations to help them achieve their goals.”

The best advice he ever received: “Share praise and success widely among all who contributed to the project's success. It's amazing what can be accomplished when one is not concerned by personal recognition.”

The most difficult situation faced on the job: “Having to tell colleagues that their services would no longer be needed. Employees are very committed to and invested in their contributions to the success of a company. Unfortunately there are times when adverse financial circumstances may result in lay-offs and employee terminations, through no fault of their own. I try to assist those adversely impacted in any way that I can.”

Career tip for students: “Help others who may not have the same resources or talents they may have. This will pay dividends, often in unexpected ways, in their future.”

What motivates him? “The desire to share my time, experience and resources to assist organizations and individuals.”

Role model: “My mother. She led by example and demonstrated to me and my four siblings from an early age to give back and share with others.”

Family: wife, Karen; children, Jennifer Acker (husband, Dan) and Matthew Kraegel (fiancée Lauren Burdette); two grandchildren

Pastimes: “Travel, volunteer activities, reading, attending sporting events.”

The most memorable book or movie: “The Bible”

Favorite food or restaurant: Italian

Ideal vacation: “Spring training baseball in Florida for two weeks each March.”

Connect with Fred – Fkraegel@fahrenheitfinance.com