Bruce Shira

Hometown: I was born in Cowden, Illinois.  The population sign (which was visible from my house) said 600.

Spouse:  Yep, I’ve got me one of them.  Her name is Gina and she is the love of my life.

Offspring: My son Nathan (& Justine) and my daughter Naomi (& Mark).  I consider my son-in-law and daughter-in-law part of my family.

Occupation: I am president and CEO of Ultra Bath & Kitchen Inc., a decorative plumbing and hardware showroom in Tempe.  Sound impressive?  We have 3 employees:  my wife, my son and I.  The impressive part is that we still speak to one another outside of work.

Loyalties (sports team): I follow all 3 local major sports teams (Suns, D’Backs, Cards) whether they are winning or not.  A true fan as I like to call myself.

Education: Graduated locally at Westwood High School (Mesa, AZ).  Graduated from Manhattan Christian College (Manhattan, KS) and did 2 years of Seminary at Lincoln Christian Seminary (Lincoln, IL).

On my nightstand: Clock radio and fan

Influences: My parents and Tom Hawks, my youth pastor and mentor.  More current, it would have to be the members of my small group.

On my DVR: What’s a DVR?

Favorite Ice Cream: Homemade vanilla

Favorite Restaurant: Wherever I happen to be eating at the time.  I do like to try out new places, especially those that you can’t find in every state.

Favorite Book (other than the bible): Seeking the Face of God by Gary Thomas

Favorite Sports: I love the game of Wallyball.  I used to get up at 5am twice a week until I injured my back.

Favorite Band/ Music Genre: I can enjoy a variety of different music.  I especially  enjoy:  jazz, country, bluegrass, Christian, and “oldies but goodies”.  Is the sound of rain falling on just about anything, a music genre?

What I always wanted to be when I grow up: Most of my close friends will tell you that they are still waiting for me to grow up.

Don’t ask me to…: fold up the car windshield sun protectors.