Spotlight on Inspiration - Dan Casterella, CEO of American Christmas

We are starting a series called Spotlight on Inspiration featuring business and nonprofit leaders across the region. We've asked each a set of questions and will present their answers over the next several weeks. If you have someone to recommend for the series, please send an email to risa@gmgpr.com

Spotlight on

Daniel Casterella

CEO of American Christmas

www.americanchristmas.com

dcasterella@americanxmas.com

How did you get to be in the job you have now?

20+ years ago, a friend of a friend

What career did you think you would have when you were in high school?

I had no idea what I wanted to do. I didn't even know how to think of a career.

Do you have a personal goal for 2023?

Healthier lifestyle and business growth.

What was the best advice you ever received?

Outperform your peers.

What piece of advice would you give to college seniors?

Do what you want in life and not what the system dictates.

Do you have a particular charity you support? And why?

Not necessarily but American Christmas supports several local organizations.

Do you have a hobby? 

Snowboarding, golf and working on my landscaping around the house.

If money wasn’t a concern, what would you be doing right now?

Just what I am doing, but my company would be much larger.

When you feel stuck, how do you recharge yourself or get inspired?

Walk around Manhattan or go for a long drive. Usually those two things get my head back on track. Being alone to reflect helps as well.

Do you feel you have a good work/life balance? If so, why or how did you achieve that?

I don't believe in work-life balance. I believe in work-life integration as work and life don’t shut off. It’s more about blending the two and operating a healthy lifestyle.

Name one or two of your favorite movies.

Old School / Days of Thunder

Do you have a habit you wish you could break?

Stress eating.

Name one thing you are working towards in 2023.

Leading my company with clearer vision

What is one of your favorite books?

The Art of Racing In The Rain

Is there anything else you would like to share about your work or interests?

The best part of my job is seeing the joy we bring to people and watching people smile at our displays.