Meet Our Director, Client Services: Interview with Harmony Healthcare’s Patrick Comune
What do you do at Harmony? What does a typical day look like for you?
I am our Director of Client Services. My team manages roughly 75 percent of the company’s projects, so most of my day is spent assisting with operational oversight and day-to-day decision making. I see the most important aspect of my position as using the experience I’ve gained over the years in terms of project management, process optimization and relationship management and being able to help guide my team; many times, having to make very critical decisions in a short time period. At the same time, maybe even more importantly, we collaborate on the thought process, so my team are empowered to operate independently in future situations. Some would probably tell you I am overly analytical at times, or maybe care too much, however, I pride myself in the details and ensuring I am assessing situations from all angles to provide the opportunity for the best possible outcome.
What did you want to be growing up?
I wanted to be the next Larry Bird. Funny, right? Not the next Michael Jordan like all the other kids. Larry Bird. I played CYO (Catholic Youth Organization) basketball as a kid and was never the fastest, tallest or best athlete on the team; and I’ll be honest, I wasn’t even a very good dribbler. However, I always worked hard, hustled, practiced, studied the fundamentals and spent countless hours shooting and rebounding. That earned me playing time and eventually a starting role. I got that from watching Larry Bird play. He wasn’t the strongest or best athlete in the NBA by far but was so fundamentally sound and always made the right pass or came up with a clutch steal or “hustle” play, that he excelled above his peers. It also didn’t hurt that he was one of the best shooters to ever play the game. However, the work ethic is something that has always helped throughout my career. As I mentioned before, I pride myself on the “details” and found that if you study the fundamentals, practice, and learn as you go, you’ll succeed in anything you do.
What is your favorite movie genre to see in a theater, specifically?
With all the streaming options these days, I don’t go to the theater often, but any superhero or sci-fi action movie will definitely get me there.
You love to cook, what is your favorite dish to prepare?
I do love cooking; I get it from my parents who are both excellent cooks. Growing up, we always sat down for a family meal every night, no matter what. Everyone pitched in too, whether you helped cook, set the table or clean up, it was family time. Even now, whenever we get together, we probably spend most of our time together in the kitchen. For us, food is love. I have to say, of all the dishes I’ve learned how to prepare over the years, my favorite has to be Mom’s meatloaf recipe. There’s just something about it that is so simple, yet, so delicious. At the same time, it feels like home. Meatloaf, garlic redskin mashed potatoes, and carrots with a mustard glaze. Getting hungry just thinking about it!
Of all the cities and/or countries you’ve visited, what is your favorite and why?
I love Italy; fell in love when I spent a semester there in college. There are so many beautiful cities, it’s hard to pick one, but Rome stands out to me because of its rich history. I am a huge fan of history. Specifically, the evolution of civilizations. Rome played such a large part in the evolution of not just Italy, but how Europe and even parts of Asia evolved. You can’t walk down a street in Rome without walking by a structure that has some measure of historical significance. At the same time, the Italian culture and people sucked me in right away. They’re all about good food, family and friends, which is right up my alley.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I have written three crossword puzzles and doing crossword puzzles is one of my favorite hobbies. While I have yet to get one published, it’s definitely a life goal of mine. My entire life I’ve had an affinity for words, and at a young age was influenced by my grandfather who completed—correctly, I might add—the New York Times crossword every day of the week. Some of my close friends joke that I’m a 70-year-old man stuck in a young man’s body. I think I’ve always been an “old soul” as they say. I mean, I still listen to records and love the smell of old books, so they may be on to something!
