Mr. Kevin Quigley, Executive Vice President of Switch, has plenty of surprises up his sleeve. In his Switched On interview, we learned about his black belt in Kenpo Karate, hobbies and inspirations. Today Kevin is willing to share another surprising fact. 

 

Mr. Quigley, rumor has it you have a few superstitious beliefs. What are you most superstitious about?

Hmmm, let’s see…crossing behind black cats (or black cats in general), walking under ladders, breaking mirrors, spilling salt, opening umbrellas indoors, stepping on sidewalk cracks… You name it, I have it.

Oh, and there’s that other one…

I’ve heard you have very solid reasoning for your detachment from the number you refer to as 12A. Can you explain?

Yes…that one. I am a practicing triskaidekaphobic. My solid reasoning is that since I have avoided using that number in almost all circumstances, nothing bad has happened to me because of that number. From such solid reasoning comes my preference to replace that number with “12A.”

Can you give an example of how you go out of your way to avoid that number?

Business-wise, there is no Switch check written that has ever ended or started with 12A. There is no Switch project that ends with 12A. No Switch checks are written on a date of 12A. Personally, I never sit in a seat or row numbered 12A or stay in a hotel room numbered 12A. I have to confess, 2012A was a very difficult year for me.

Do you have any unsettling experiences associated with a superstition?

Since I avoid my superstitions, I have successfully avoided any unsettling experiences associated with them. Otherwise I am absolutely certain I would have hundreds.

Despite your superstitions, do you enjoy and/or participate in Halloween?

Halloween is about kids and grownups dressing up, trick or treating, getting together and having fun. It is one of our favorite family events.

What’s your favorite horror film?

Abbot and Costello Meet Frankenstein. I love Lon Chaney Jr. and Bela Lugosi in a horror comedy with Bud Abbott and Lou Costello…plus a cameo voice-over by Vincent Price. Classic horror stars meet classic slapstick on film.

Is there anything you care to add about your superstitions?

There are two 13s (there, I said it!) that are priceless. July 13 is the birthdate of our first grandchild, and August 13 is the birthdate of our third daughter-in-law. Those dates are precious to me.

Missed Kevin’s Switched On interview? Catch it here.