BALANCE SHEET.

• Author: Heffes, Ellen M.
• Position: Brief Article

A self-confessed perfectionist, Brian Ruttencutter is as serious about his work as he is about his family and leisure. He apparently has found a way to balance these life activities by combining his strong sense of purpose with a wry wit and a strong sense of humor.

Title: VP Finance and CFO

Company: Phillips Industries, Inc.

Business/Industry: Manufacturer and distributor of parts for heavy-duty trucks for GEMs (original equipment manufacturers) and the aftermarket.

Born: June 15, 1953, Long Beach, Calif.

Spouse: Marilyn R. Ruttencutter

Children: Melissa, 10

Education: BS in Accounting, 1976, Biola University; MBA, 1983, California State University, Long Beach.

Career History: 1976-1980, accounting management, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, Calif.; 1980-1984, accounting management, AirCal, Newport Beach, Calif.; 1984-1988, Controller, 1988-1993, VPF and Administration, PBS Building Systems, Inc., Anaheim, Calif.; 19931995, VPF and CFO, For Better Living, Inc., Irvine, Calif.

FEI Chapter: Orange County; currently a Western Area Director

Leisure Pursuits: "I'm a 'gym rat,' working out 3-4 times a week, using the treadmill, weight machines and free weights. I enjoy tennis and golf (mostly miniature) and the real thing (when compelled). My family enjoys going to movies and pop and rock concerts, and watching DVDs on our surround-sound home theater, Traveling as a family, we've visited Spain, Morocco, Japan, Hawaii, California and more. I memorialize trips through scenic photography and display enlargements around our home."

Time Management Tips: "Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow? Many things that we find to be immediately important, or that others would want us to view that way, are unnecessary. If things 'sit' for a while, they often take care of themselves and end up not needing attention. Another approach is not to set unrealistic goals that can siphon away 'psychic energy' and create constant feelings of frustration and defeat."

Stress Management Advice: "I grew up a perfectionist, adhering to the philosophy that if something was worth doing, it was worth doing well. To that, I've added the concept of fun. My wife, who is physically disabled, and I have had our share of adversity; we try to add an element of fun or joy to almost everything we do. Make opportunities for...