Dublin-Worthington News Stories
Membership Spotlight: Mike Moulton
By Paul J. CynkarSunday, January 30, 2022
Advancing the Leadership Mindset
Finding Success in the Success of Others
Paul Cynkar, January 2022
This is another in a series of member profiles based on discovery interviews that were designed to get an up-close view of the traits and strengths of the members who provide leadership to this organization.
Membership Spotlight: Mike Moulton
Designing, Dedicated, Difference-Maker
Finding Success in the Success of Others
Paul Cynkar, January 2022
This is another in a series of member profiles based on discovery interviews that were designed to get an up-close view of the traits and strengths of the members who provide leadership to this organization.
Membership Spotlight: Mike Moulton
Designing, Dedicated, Difference-Maker
Tell us about yourself. Give us three facts that include information about your family, your career and your pastimes.I was born in Columbus but we soon moved to Whittier California for two years as my dad was in the Air Force. I have been married to my wife, Paula, for thirty-four years. I have a son, Rick, a daughter-in-law, Mary, and two granddaughters, Emily and Sophia. Dave Jordan, another member of our Club is my brother-in-law. My relatives live close by. My father was one of the founding members of our Club. I earned a degree in horticulture which led to a forty-year career as a landscape design professional. I love the residential landscape design market and I have had some clients since the 1980’s.
How long have you belonged to Rotary? What’s the best thing about membership?
I joined Rotary in 1987. Bob Hanson was president that year. I have been on the board and I have served as president. I have supported many Club projects including the Food Pantry, the Mirolo Pavilion Landscaping project and the poinsettia sales. Over the years I have met a lot of people. Many of them have become very close friends.
As you look back on your life and your career, where and when did you have the biggest impact on others? Who was impacted and how?
After my son was grown and out of the house, I volunteered with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. I mentored and supported needy kids from the inner city as well as kids whose father or mother were incarcerated. I have been involved with this program for nearly twenty years.
As you look back, which of the opportunities you’ve had has been the most fulfilling to you personally? Why?
The one that stands out the most is the Dominican Republic project that helped to fund and build medical facilities in that country. I met some wonderful and extraordinary people and some deep friendships were forged during the time I spent there. The one I remember most was Morris Talij and the two of us bonded. He gave me the nickname “El Tigre” which is a term of endearment used to describe a very cool, astute and skilled individual.
Describe the most challenging project you’ve ever worked on. What was your role? What was the result? What did you learn?
I participated in a multi-club building project for the Homeless Family Foundation. Our goal was to build a park for kids and families near their emergency housing to help them achieve stable housing and self-sufficiency. Because of my background in landscaping and building, I was asked to take on a leadership role. It started as a simple and meaningful project but grew into a large and complex endeavor involving many volunteers from different Rotary Clubs. It was a fun, worthwhile project that had its share of frustrations.
What are some things you are passionate about? What really excites you? What gets your adrenalin flowing? What makes your heart sing?
I really enjoy creating things, especially things that are unusual and different. For example, for one of the annual Home and Garden Shows I built a fountain out of old, used books. To make the fountain waterproof I used cans of Flex Seal. Many people who attended the show were impressed by the design and creativity. At one point the project was named the Fountain of Knowledge.
What are you especially skilled at? What is something that others often tell you that they think makes you stand out?
People tell me that I am good at what I do for a living as a landscape designer. I like to see how my work can transform spaces and create environments that have a great future value.
When you have a moment to sit back and think (dream) about your future, what do you think about? What things would you like to do in your life that you haven’t gotten around to yet? Is there something else you would like to accomplish?
I have done so many things that have enriched my life. There are a couple of things that are left on my bucket list. First, I would like to fly in a real jet, specifically the F-21 Hornet. It flies between 1700-1800 miles per hour. Second, I would like to travel more. The beaches in Greece and in Croatia are especially appealing to me.
If you could choose anyone (alive or deceased) to have lunch with, who would it be? Why?
There are two people on this list. First, my father. He died at an early age so we missed a lot of important conversations. Second, I would like to have lunch with Ronald Reagan. He was a strong leader who had a vision to get our country back to where it needed to be.