Who are you, and what do you do?
My name is Greg Liberko. I’m a Missoula native who attended and graduated from the University of Montana with a business management degree. Currently, I’m the Director of Operations for Five on Black, overseeing all the Montana stores. Recently I built a house out in the Big Flat area which was a major learning/growth period for both myself and my family. I have two kids with another on the way and a loving wife who teaches kindergarten at Target Range elementary.
What is one habit of yours that helps you be productive?
One habit that has helped me stay productive and moving forward is the urge to continue learning. I do this through reading and listening to management, business, and personal growth books. In todays job market there’s a constant push to constantly move forward and grow. You can’t do this without consistent change and fighting the urge to continually do the same thing day in and day out. Continuing educational growth has been one of the best habits that I’ve found in my life.
What is your morning routine and how does it help you get the most out of your day?
When I get up in the morning the first thing I do is take a shower, get dressed, grab a cup of coffee, make the bed and tidy up the house (resetting the room). I do this all before glancing at my phone. Then I take my coffee and enjoy a twenty minute drive into town where I reflect on my goals for the day.
In the last few years, what lifestyle, habit or behavior change has had the biggest positive impact on your life?
A lifestyle change that has really helped me to better myself is learning to look at any situation differently. There’s always an initial reaction that runs through your head at certain times. Usually during negative situations or in times of stress. Taking a moment to step back and try to view situation from another person’s perspective makes it easier to see the world more positive light. An example of this is a speeding car cuts you off at the end of the day on your way home from work. You’re tired from the day and burnt out from decision fatigue, all factors to put you on edge. Initially you get annoyed with the person and my use some choice words. You then take a minute to rationalize the situation. Maybe that person is on the way to the hospital with a serious injury or maybe a loved one is in need of help or they need to relieve a baby sitter thats been watching their children for an extra two hours? Whatever the reason it makes you look differently at things and keeps a more positive outlook, which trickles down into other aspects of your life.
When you feel unfocused, what do you do?
I’ve taken a liking to trail running. I spend at least one hour out of my day outside enjoying to wonderful terrain we’re surrounded by. It helps me relieve stress and anxiety which in-turn keeps me more focused through the day. I typically go on these runs in the early afternoon. Mornings are very productive for me but I taper off after lunch, so I decided to incorporate a run at that time. It has allowed me to refocus my attention during the later parts of the work day.
What is one piece of software or a web service that you get immense value out of? How do you use it?
Audible books have given me immense value these last few years. With the amount of time we find ourselves in our cars driving around there’s an abundance amount of time that you can utilize. I prefer business, finance, or personal development books. This helps in my pursuit to constantly gain new knowledge and better my overall educational growth.
What is the one book you recommend most often and why?
It’s hard for me to choose one book that has been my go to book. So I’ve narrowed it down to three:
‘Atomic Habits‘, James Clear -Constant 1% improvements that have compounding effects over time.
‘Peak Performance‘, Brad Stulberg, Steve Magness- How to perform your best both physically and in business.
‘Culture Code‘, Daniel Coyle – Building great teams that can overcome any challenge.
What advice would you give a smart and ambitious recent college graduate? What advice should they ignore?
My suggestion for a recent graduate is to pursue a career that your degree is focused around. Follow that choice with leaning to listen and learn. You can come out of school swinging for the fences, especially in the business program. You want to give it your all right away by knowing the answers to all the tough questions, will go out of your way just to look good in the moment. However you will make it further and learn more by listening and digesting what your peers are saying. Also make sure that the people you’re focusing your time around truly know the industry and the job they’re doing. You don’t want to be stuck spending too much time with individuals that feel they know the business in and out or have answers to everything, when in fact they don’t understand the companies core values and lack knowledge of what their job really is.
What is your favorite quote, one you aim to live by?
Consistency of purpose and never-ending improvement.
-W. Edwards Deming
Connect
My best contact would be through email: greg@fiveonblack.com