Bio: Tom Hoch – 'I cop to being a speed demon'

Born: Nov. 19, 1954, in Minneapolis.

Education: Washburn High School, 1972; St. Cloud State University, 1976; Hamline University Law School, 1981.

Career: Taught grades two-six in Minneapolis Public Schools, 1976-78; staff attorney and private law practice, 1981-1984; worked for city of Minneapolis in development and public housing, 1984-1996; executive for Hennepin theaters since August 1996.

Hobbies: Exercising, gardening.

Favorite flowers: Peonies and tulips.

Exercise: "I'm one of those people who bicycles hard and fast. I cop to being a speed demon. So if you see someone nearly flying along the Greenway, it could be me. I also love tubing behind a speedboat, going really fast so you're up in the air. It's frightening and exhilarating."

Favorite shows: "When Tyler Michaels starred in Theatre Latté Da's 'Cabaret' [pictured], that rivaled anything anywhere. That exemplified the talent and quality we have here. I love 'A Chorus Line.' One of my all-time favorites."

Music: "My husband and I have a 17-year-old, and she exposes us to all this great music I've never heard before. I love everything from Joni Mitchell and Aretha Franklin to Maroon 5 and Adele."

Tics: "I'm an inveterate organizer, which you wouldn't know by looking at my desk."

Motto: "I don't have a motto, per se, but I have a theory. And it's that we're all born with a fuel tank, but we've never gotten a gauge. You never know if you're running on fumes or if you've got 10 gallons left. So, you have to live as if your tank is nearly empty. If you want to make a difference, do it now."