Fragrance Notes Issue 2, 2019 | Page 13

FEATURE who lets people do the job, and trusts them to do it. “That’s the mechanism of a great team—if everybody is self-motivated and doing what they need to be doing and it all works together.” THE PATH HOME “I don’t know whether it’s getting older or what, but I like to think that it’s me finally growing up and figuring this out.” Traveling back and forth between the coasts for work, Ken has limited time at home, so when he and Virginia have time to steal away, they enjoy going to Vegas, eating at their favorite restaurants, going to shows, and relaxing together away from life’s everyday details and stressors. They’re looking forward to returning to Vegas to celebrate their fourth wedding anniversary this September. They also still love to watch sci-fi shows and movies together—even revisiting Battlestar Galactica every once in a while. Ken has noted a marked shift in his social life. “I used to be so focused on keeping up with my friends, my poker game… these days, all I want to do is spend time with her,” he says. “She’s my best friend. She’s everything to me. In the past, I never understood when people said that. True, I have a sales job where I get to meet and interact with people all the time in my business life, but when I’m home, I can just be present with her, and it’s awesome.” And he continues to savor the fact that his story isn’t over yet. “I’m still learning more about myself than I ever knew. I don’t know whether it’s getting older, or what, but I like to think that it’s me finally growing up and figuring this out.” To be honest, he says, “I never thought it could be this good. I really didn’t.” Away from work and the bright lights and noise of Vegas, Ken can often be spotted in Provo Canyon, perched atop his bike, speeding down a dusty, winding path. With his triathlon days behind him following a hip injury, he says he can’t run like he used to but still keeps busy “cycling like a crazy man.” He loves cycling and climbing some of the nearby mountains—never quite losing his passion for high-intensity sports. “Some of these climbs take me an hour and half, two hours,” he says. “And your heart rate is like 150 to 170 the whole time. It’s insane! But, by the time you get to the top, you just feel so good. It’s like meditation for me. When your body is under that kind of extreme physical stress, everything goes away. You’re just totally wired on endorphins. They are really pushing you, freeing your mind to whatever thoughts may come. Up there, I can think more clearly than any other time. I see a path. It’s really, really, really good for me—and not just physically.” FN Issue 2, 2019 | FRAGRANCENOTES.ORG | 13