Fifth Edition Marquis Who’s Who INSIGHT 23 ROBERT JENKINS Owner Jenkins Timber Properties, LLC Woody Creek, CO What is the most important issue/challenge you are dealing with in your industry? The biggest challenge for small mom-andpop stores is the national tenants and the big guys like Amazon. Also, the government has elected not to tax internet sales for the most part. Internet sales don’t produce revenue for local communities; they don’t pay real estate taxes, so there’s a price advantage. What innovations or technologies do you feel will shape the future of your industry? Customer service has become a mainstay, especially in the grocery store industry and the whole concept of prepared food. Open-air strip shopping centers were primarily mom-and-pop stores, and many retailers were involved. Today, the retailers are gone and it is mainly food service. As our society becomes busier, our industry has stepped up to make it more convenient for people to get prepared food. DEAN W. MARKUSON Founder, Chief Executive Officer Foss and Swanson Veterans Gathering Space Hastings, MN https://youtu.be/XczeMy31BZU How have you navigated disruptions in your industry to remain a top professional? It’s all about networking, collaborating and synchronizing within the community. What is the most important issue/challenge you are dealing with in your industry? In my market, the most important challenge is getting others to say yes and accept assistance in solving their problems. What innovations or technologies do you feel will shape the future of your industry? There is so much technology to utilize today, like the internet, Facebook and Zoom. What excites you the most about your industry? It goes back to my mission and core values of living generously by loving generously and making a difference within the community. WILLIAM L. MCBRIDE, PHD Arthur G. Hansen Distinguished Professor Purdue University Lafayette, IN cla.purdue.edu/directory/profiles/william-mcbride.html What innovations or technologies do you feel will shape the future of your industry? There is a rising interest in artificial intelligence, although there are not that many philosophers who are experts on this topic yet. People are getting involved in the ethics of AI and what it says about the future of humanity. What excites you the most about your industry? Philosophy is one of the most important humanities, and it is holding out against reductionist tendencies in the United States. Here at Purdue University, they have established a cornerstone program, which essentially brings in the best students, especially first years who are interested in the humanities, and it has been quite successful.
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