In this edition of Get to Know, we are pleased to introduce Eric McTee, CPDT, a member of ASPE’s Denver Chapter.
ASPE: If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?
Eric: I would love to take a road trip across Canada. I have never been to the Great White North but have always wanted to go. I grew up playing hockey, and I think it would be cool to go watch my favorite team (Colorado Avalanche) play against some of the Canadian teams in their arenas. I would camp my way across the country with my family, experiencing the different landscapes and wildlife as we go. We would immerse ourselves in the local foods, drinks, and cultures. It would be an amazing trip!
ASPE: What are your hobbies outside of work?
Eric: Outside of work, I love to play and coach hockey. I play in adult leagues, and I coach my oldest daughter’s teams. Once they are old enough, I am sure I will be coaching my little ones’ teams too! I love to BBQ with family and friends—I can eat with the best of them! I also enjoy cooking. I am always trying new recipes to find the most delicious dishes! I dabble in woodworking and have built a few pieces of furniture and some home décor pieces, but I am overly critical of my work so I don’t really like how they turn out; I keep trying though! Finally, I love just spending time with my family. We like to watch movies and hockey games, play games, eat good food, and laugh together. It has been way too long, but we love to go camping and are hoping to get back out in the wilderness this year.
ASPE: If you could play any sport professionally, what would it be and why?
Eric: I would play professional ice hockey in the NHL. I have played hockey since I was nine years old. I still love to play in adult leagues, and I coach my oldest daughter’s teams. I don’t really care about any other sports—it’s hockey or nothing for me! I would play for the Colorado Avalanche and would probably be one of the highest-paid players in the league…!
ASPE: If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Why?
Eric: I have lived in the Denver Metro area my entire life. One of the greatest things about living here is looking west to the beauty of the majestic Rocky Mountains. The Front Range is literally in our backyard. Growing up here, most of us have a very deep love for the mountains. If I could live anywhere, I would have 10 (or more) acres in the mountains with a stone castle or large timber frame cabin. We would have hiking trails, camping spots, and meadows where we could relax and reconnect to nature. It would be glorious!
ASPE: Are you a movie buff? What is your favorite movie?
Eric: I am a huge fan of the movies. I think any real movie buff would say that it is impossible to have just one favorite movie. There are too many genres for me to pick an overall favorite. Some of my favorite movies include Dances With Wolves, No Country for Old Men, The King (2019 Netflix), Wreck-It Ralph, Happy Gilmore, Stranger than Fiction, Romeo & Juliet (1996, with Leo DiCaprio), Moana, Step Brothers, and Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. Trust me, there are many more!
ASPE: What did you want to be when you were a child?
Eric: As a kid, I loved animals. I was a huge fan of The Crocodile Hunter with Steve Irwin, and I was always out looking for snakes, lizards, turtles, scorpions, etc. I didn’t want to have a TV show, but I always thought it would be cool to have a job that required finding and catching exotic animals. I also entertained thoughts of being a marine biologist to study the Galapagos iguanas.
ASPE: If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to?
Eric: I would travel to around 2,600 BCE so I could see exactly how the pyramids at Giza were constructed. It would also be interesting to see what types of plumbing were being used at that time. (I wonder if it would meet code…)
ASPE: If you were a superhero, what powers would you have?
Eric: If I was a superhero, the only super power I would need would be the ability to control and manipulate time. I have always been fascinated with time and think it would be exciting to be able to control it—slow it down and speed it up, pause, and rewind. In my opinion, that would be the most powerful super power there is. Also, I would be able to pause time and get all of my work done in an instant; no more worrying about deadlines!!!
