Charles Craigmile, of Lake Forest, said that he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in philosophy and studied theology but then changed course and got into business. Recently, he took time out to answer a few questions for the Pioneer Press.
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Q: When did you become interested in philosophy?
A: There was a class in 8th grade at Deer Path [Middle School]. We read the dialogues of Plato. I found that fascinating.
Q: How about theology?
A: I was raised in a Catholic home. Thinking of the priesthood was always an option. When I graduated from [University of] St. Thomas in St. Paul, I was thinking I could go into law, teach or join the seminary in Mundelein. I did coursework for a graduate degree in theology but didn’t graduate. I decided God wasn’t calling me to be a priest.
Q: So, what did you do?
A: I had all this education. I was all dressed up with nowhere to go. I thought I better jump into the business world now.
Q: Why business?
A: I think part was I was raised in a business family. My dad was president of several companies in his career. [Business] didn’t seem like a radical departure in my mind.
Q: Before earning an MBA at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, were you qualified in business?
A: I think I had one business course in college. The only thing I had to do was balance the parish checkbook. I couldn’t spell MBA. I majored in finance and operations.
Q: Did any of your philosophy or theology studies help you in the world of business?
A: When you are working with people in extreme situations – dying in hospitals, working with people from other cultures – you develop a public presence that translates well into management.
Q: You worked for several companies and then started a business with your brother called Revenova. What does Revenova do?
A: It’s a transportation logistics management company.
Q: Do you ever wish you’d stuck with philosophy and theology?
A: I don’t regret leaving the seminary. I teach adult education courses through Church of St. Mary’s at Gorton Community Center each summer. This summer, I’ll be teaching Christian apologetics and secularism.
Shout Out is a weekly feature in which we get to know and introduce our readers to their fellow community members and local visitors throughout suburban Chicago. Check out more online at ChicagoTribune.com/ShoutOut.
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—Mark Lawton, Pioneer Press