BloodSource CEO Mike Fuller has been with the organization for 28 years, so he’s seen it grow from a single, Sacramento-based blood bank to a large regional provider of life-saving blood and blood products to more than 40 hospitals in 25 counties throughout the state. In 2011, BloodSource established a Santa Rosa donation center. Of course, it hasn’t all been easy, especially in recent years.
“Perhaps the most confounding challenge has been understanding and implementing cost savings programs while creating a higher level value for our service and being able to financially recognize employees for their many contributions,” says Fuller. “My vision for BloodSource is that, together with our employee team, volunteers and board, we give back to the people in the communities we serve, who give life to the patients who receive their blood. We invest in important causes that make life better where we live and work. By giving and receiving, together we make the impossible very possible. When we work as a team, we accomplish things bigger than ourselves.”
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Rolla, Missouri about 100 miles southwest of St. Louis. The founders of our town were trying to spell “Raleigh.”
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
I’m definitely an early bird. I grew up in a rural community, and farmers always get an early start.
Do you have a big family?
I’ve been happily married for 41 years, have two sons and three marvelous grandchildren.
Describe one of your happiest life moments.
It was July 11, 2010, the culmination of a lavish plot to surprise me. Expecting to find neighbors when summoned by the chime of our doorbell, I instead opened our front door to find my 4-year-old granddaughter, Georgia. She’d come all the way from Texas to surprise her Pap-Pap on his 60th birthday, and it was sheer bliss.
What’s your idea of a great dessert?
I consider myself equal opportunity when it comes to sweets, but you had me at “chocolate.”
Did you ever have a nickname? What was it and what did it refer to?
“Stone hands.” The high school football coaches started calling me that after I dropped a pass during a game.
How many brothers and sisters do you have? How has your birth order affected you?
I have three sisters. I’m the oldest and all that that implies.
What brings out your critical side?
Inaccuracy.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Becoming a grandfather. There just isn’t anything like it in the world.
What’s frustrated you in the recent past?
Missed opportunities.
What kind of movies do you enjoy?
I am a movie devotee and enjoy most genres. I can almost always pull a quote out of a particular movie and turn it into a business lesson.
If you were to write a book, what would its title be?
My book would be based on a quote from the movie “Sullivan’s Travels”: “All of life’s riddles are answered in the movies,” and would focus on business leadership questions. Once I get a publisher, I’ll start working on the title.
What’s one book you’ve recommended to friends?
The Ten Commandments for Business Failure by Donald R. Keough, the COO of Coca-Cola. He wrote with a very common sense approach to avoid failure. It also includes some legendary Coke stories.
What’s the most interesting country you’ve been to?
France. So much of our country’s history was crafted there.
How often do you go to your favorite fast food restaurant and what’s your order?
Willie’s Burgers’ food truck, a.k.a. the Willie Wagon! Every other week I get a double chili cheese burger (no fries).
What’s the best way to earn another person’s respect?
Keep your word.
