Jan and Don DeFosset photography by win wolloff Don DeFosset earned his engineering degree from Purdue University and his MBA from Harvard University. Currently, Don is Chairman of ATL Partners, a private equity fund in New York City, and he serves on the public company board of directors of Terex Corporation, Regions Financial Bank, ITT Corporation and National Retail Properties. He is also the incoming chair of television station WEDU and is the past chair of the University of Tampa and the Tampa Sports Authority. He moved to Tampa Bay in 2000 when he became Chairman and CEO of Walter Industries. His wife Jan was a teacher in secondary education and held numerous educational administrative positions within four states and has her degree in Vocational Education from Purdue University and her master’s degree in Education, Administration and Supervision from New York University. She is actively involved in numerous charitable and community organizations such as Chiselers, a support organization dedicated to the restoration and preservation of the Tampa Bay Hotel, along with Red Cross Angels, Henry B. Plant Museum and the Buccaneers Women of Red. Don and Jan have been married for 42 years. They have three children Don, Nicole, and Suzanne, and three grandchildren, Wilhemina, Wesley, and Delphine. At what do you excel? Jan: Enjoying life with my family and friends. Don: Balancing a hectic and ever-changing work/life calendar. What is your favorite word? Jan: Love. I am a romantic at heart. Do what you love and love what you do. Don: Learning, as it never ends and keeps you stimulated, in the game, and never finished. How do you relax? Jan: Reading. I am an avid reader and will do so anywhere, anytime, any place. It is very enjoyable and there is always something to learn through the process. Don: Bicycling, tennis, golf and reading. Love Sudoko for airplane rides. Who is your role model? Jan: Both my mother and my mother-in-law. They were both important in forming my values, work ethics, importance of family, and the necessity of community service. Don: In work, Larry Bossidy (former CEO of Honeywell). In life, Maggie Thatcher for her role in changing the Western World away from socialism. 154 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 What is the best advice you have ever been given? Jan: Always do your best! Do so with honesty, inspiration, integrity, and respect of others. Don: Whatever career you pursue, be the best at it. If it’s ditch digging or chairing a board of directors, always strive to be the best. What don’t people know about you? Jan: I grew up in a rural environment in southern Indiana. This is where I developed the core value of hard work and to use common sense in my actions and decisions. Don: Extensive background and interest in Western Europe, having lived, worked and traveled there extensively. What are your favorite words of wisdom? Jan: Always give your best effort in all your pursuits and you should never have any regrets. Mistakes, successes, and experiences are among the best tools in learning. Don: Be Here Now! We all think we can multitask, but it does not work well and sends negative messages to those around us. What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? Jan: Our wonderful marriage and the birth of our three children and three grandchildren. Don: Finding the right balance between work and life aspirations. What is your motto? Jan: Never allow waiting to become a habit. Live your dreams and take risks. Life is happening now. Enjoy! Don: Learn, earn and return. How do you think other people would describe you? Jan: A person who loves family, friends and adventure, is fun to be with, and always has a smile to share. Don: Hopefully positive and energetic. What would you like to do that you have never done? Jan: Sky dive with a Special Ops paracommander. Don: Pilot an airplane (the engineer in me). How would you describe yourself? Jan: I am a person willing to listen and learn, and to share ideas or advice when asked or needed. Don: Open-minded, willing to learn and listen. What would you like to be able to do that you can’t do? Jan: Play the piano and guitar. Don: Sing in a Broadway play. 9
19438TB
To see the actual publication please follow the link above