Tim Eiring, Centare
IB's Professional of the Week is the premier way to meet the state's professionals. This week features Tim Eiring, vice president of operations, Madison region, Centare.
Business Address: 2810 Crossroads Drive, Suite 4000, Madison, WI 53718
Phone: 608-807-1160
Email: tim.eiring@centare.com
Website: www.centare.com
Birthplace: Milwaukee
Spouse/Partner’s Name: Kristyn Eiring
Education: Bachelor of business administration, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, 2000
How long have you been with Centare, what does the company do, and what is your day-to-day role, Tim?
I have been at Centare, a firm specializing in software development and business transformation, for nine years. My 10-year anniversary will be in September this year. My current role is to lead the Madison branch in a direction that facilitates growth and expansion of the Centare brand.
What are the earliest business experience memories you have – a first job as a young person?
My first “real” job, other than cutting the grass at my parents’ house, was at a local video rental store (Video Country) in Oconomowoc. I don’t remember the exact amount of my first check, but minimum wage was $4.25 an hour back then, so my check was probably not enough to retire on. I did open a checking/savings account when I started my job, so I am sure I saved some of the money and probably blew the rest on gasoline, bike parts, and other things I really didn’t need. [Beyond that], in high school, I was interested in architecture/engineering along with software programming. I remember wanting to work in a field where I could combine those interests.
Who would you credit, outside the firm, with influencing your later career the most, and in what way?
My late father, Chris Eiring, definitely influenced my career the most. He helped me learn to listen, be honest with myself and with others, and to understand that the path of least resistance is not always the correct path. These are all things that have greatly influenced who I am today.
Those are great personal observations. Do you have an example of how your business intersects with your personal life as well?
For me, a personal career highlight was having the opportunity to help a close friend’s company transform the way it delivers software and ultimately transform the business. The changes in culture, understanding of quality, and overall corporate performance that have happened since we began working together has been remarkable. Seeing the positive change that Centare helped facilitate, all while helping a close friend, was great personally and professionally.
What do you do “beyond the office” that brings you happiness or relaxation?
I’ve been involved in many volunteer organizations over the years and am a big advocate of giving time to your community. It may be cliché, but these days, with two kids under 5 years of age, I really enjoy the time we spend as a family. Whether it’s going to the park to play or out for ice cream, spending time with my wife and children is a happy time for me. Your kids are only young once, so enjoy it!
Care to share any information about the family?
I am married to my wife of six years, Kristyn. We have two lovely daughters, Lauren, 4, and Leah, 2. My wife has always loved riding horses, and she has passed that passion on to our daughters. I used to be heavily involved in BMX racing. These days, I’ve hung up the BMX bike for golf clubs and am making an effort to learn the game. We have a very happy life and currently live in Oconomowoc.
Any other guilty pleasures?
I do love to read.
With your full schedule at work and at home, when do you find time, and what type of book do you prefer to read? Can you think of a recent title to give us an idea?
When I am on vacation, I routinely will plow through three to four books in a week. The last book I read was Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel Pink.
Travel? Do you have a favorite place to visit?
The northwoods of Wisconsin has always been special to me. My family used to go “up north” every summer when I was young, and I really enjoyed it. The nostalgia and easygoing times always make me want to go back. This is something I definitely plan to pass on to my children.
Tim, is there an iconic figure you’d most like to be identified with? And if so, what characteristics do you most admire?
In the sports world, I’ve always been a fan of former Milwaukee Brewer Robin Yount. It’s a tall order, but I’d love to be able to emulate his leadership, work ethic, good humor, and humility.
Those are great descriptors for Yount. Now we come to the question we like to ask last, and it may be the hardest because our VIPs tend to be shy about their own accomplishments or characteristics. But give it a try. How you would describe yourself? Can you pick three words to describe Tim Eiring for our readership?
Humility, outgoing, trustworthy.
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