Boss Mode is a new regular feature spotlighting leaders in our community. Today we’re featuring Kris Fountain, who leads the Lake Norman CDC‘s efforts to provide affordable and attainable housing for people in the Lake Norman area.

Name: Kris J. Fountain

Company: Lake Norman Community Development Corporation

Job Title: CEO/Affordable Housing Advocate

First thing you do when you walk into work? I take a deep breath and recite Psalms 23.

Coffee, tea, or something stronger? Tea. Usually ginger and turmeric with a touch of peppermint.

What part of your job would surprise people the most? Converting good intentions into measurable outcomes. People assume affordable housing advocacy is mostly public speaking and fundraising. In reality, a surprising amount is building trust across unlikely partners, translating policy into plain language, and documenting outcomes and lessons learned so assistance is both dignified and defensible. Especially when we’re serving the “missing middle,” working families like teachers and first responders and others who are cost-burdened but often overlooked.

What small decision eats up way more time than it should? Scheduling.  Specifically, trying to land one meeting time that genuinely works for everyone: multiple stakeholders, elected officials, housing developers, donors and the community partners and leaders who are carrying real responsibilities on the ground.

What’s always on your desk (besides a phone and computer)? A well-worn, triangular metal desk calendar I picked up at Cracker Barrel years ago.  It’s one of those old-school flip calendars where you manually turn the month and the date every day.

Favorite quick lunch in town? I frequent Waterbean Coffee for a cup of tea.

Best advice you’ve ever gotten about business? Success is hidden in your daily routine.  Leaders do daily what others do occasionally. A daily habit that keeps you sane? In the morning before I check my emails, turn on the TV, or check my phone, I’ve prayed for at least 30 minutes every day for the past 7 years.  It’s a daily devotion and type of “first-fruit” toward my day. What’s the five-minute task you refuse to delegate? Send a handwritten and signed thank you card to someone who comes to mind.

What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self? You’re enough.