My mother told me when I was quite young that, “If you have one good friend you’re very lucky.” Then I was blessed, because Barb and I have several times fell into that slot. Many lifelong friends back in Michigan and many that we have met here in Arizona.
I’ve always enjoyed meeting and talking to people. Getting to know them, finding out about their families, their different personalities, and especially their careers and businesses. I’m fascinated by success stories at any level.
It’s not always financial success but also what success means to them. With that said, obviously I’m in the right business.
Coming up through the years, I have always wanted to surround myself with people that are smarter than me (if you’re the smartest guy in the room, get a new room).
My wife Barb being a great example! I’m the first one to tell you that I’m not that smart. But I have built a support structure of very smart people. It’s funny, I look up to my buddy Otto, Otto looks up to his longtime friend Bob, and Bob looks up to Bruce. Surround yourself with Otto’s, Bob’s, and Bruce’s. You will be amazed of where it takes you and above all, persevere. Ray Kroc was asked what makes a person successful? He said, “It’s not intelligence; I’ve met a lot of intelligent derelicts, its perseverance. If you persevere you will succeed.”
About a week ago some new friends stopped by the shop for a Wednesday night cocktail. They are quite young and she is retired and he is a commercial pilot. Of course, I had to ask, “How did you retire so young?” Turns out she was very successful in international business. I love these stories! Even better I understood most of what she said! Like I said, not that smart I am, not, well you know what I mean.
From this conversation I started thinking of how well I am placed. Barb and I have met high level businesspeople, entrepreneurs, artists, retired secret agents, ex-cops, and everyone in between. Each with a story that is fascinating.
However, some of the most interesting are the ones in their late 20s or early 30s. They are just starting to gather dreams. You can see it in their eyes. I can’t wait to hear these stories.
I was also told very young, “Be nice to the people you meet on the way up; up might meet them again on the way down.”
My old boss Jim (an extremely successful businessman) would stand in my office door and say, “Remember kid, we can all go back down in a heartbeat.” Please like and follow us on our new Facebook page – Hava Java Mesa-Beans, Beer, Wine, Music.