Balance sheet: to reach your goals, Gene Kostelac advises: "Follow your dreams, make sure you get the necessary education and experience and always be optimistic, no matter what negative comments anyone else may offer.".

• Author: Heffes Ellen M.
• Position: Interview

NAME Eugene A. Kostelac Jr.

TITLE Chief Financial Officer

COMPANY RG Industries mc, (or three years. Headquartered in York, Pa., RG Industries is a full-service industrial distributor of fluid handling and motion-control products, providing sales, customized design and build solutions, installation, repair and field services for a broad base of customers primarily in the Mid-Atlantic States region.

BORN Harrisburg, Pa., November 1952.

SPOUSE Gail, married for 27 years.

CHILDREN Daughter, Laura, age 22, a senior at George Washington University.

EDUCATION 1 976 BBA, Pennsylvania State University; 1 991, MBA, Pennsylvania State University. Earned CPA designation in Pennsylvania in 1979.

CAREER SUMMARY Six years public accounting, Touche Ross (national) in Harrisburg, Pa., and SF & Co. (regional firm in Camp Hill, Pa.); 10 years internal audit/accounting manager, AMP Inc., at which time I traveled extensively to Europe, South America and Asia; 15 years controller at various public/private manufacturing transportation and logistics companies.

FF1 CHAPTER Member of the Central Pennsylvania Chapter for one year, and currently serve as VP membership.

TIME MANAGEMENT Organize, prioritize and set reasonable goals. I keep a list of tasks needed to be completed for the week on my desk to keep focused on what is needed on a daily basis. LEISURE I enjoy traveling, especially internationally. I have learned to appreciate different cultures, customs and of course the food. Skiing in the winter, boating and fishing in the summer are some of my favorites.

STRESS MANAGEMENT Taking a three-to-five-mile run after a long day at work revitalizes me and provides time to reflect on the day's accomplishments. I also use the time to problem solve any upcoming challenges.

A favorite that I have reread several times is A Cook's Tour, by Anthony Bourdain. It combines my interest in cooking (I admit I'm a closet foodie) and travel, and I enjoy how his ability to write about his exploits that present a vivid although at times controversial picture of what it is like to visit exotic countries and eat exotic foods.

Midnight in Paris. I particularly enjoy visiting Paris and this movie captures the beauty, grandeur and magic of the city.

Sixties rock 'n roll and especially the Rolling Stones. I...