We Never Make It Alone

I have been blessed over my career, I have achieved many accolades, of which I am both proud and grateful. Most recent, this past January, I was inducted into the PPAI Hall of Fame – such an honor. 

I am starting the article in this way, not give myself props, but to set a course for what I hope will help you reflect and think about YOUR path as you navigate your career.

In November 2021, the Chairman of PPAI’s Board, Todd Pottenbaum called to congratulate and inform me I was selected as one of the 2022 Hall of Fame Recipients. A few days later Christina Saunders called with the next steps in the process, one of which was to prepare an acceptance speech not to exceed 9 minutes. As I pondered what to write, I thought to myself, ‘nine minutes (pause) how do I do that? How do I thank everyone who has helped me get to where I am today?’ It was glaringly apparent. I did not get here alone, none of us have.

If you reflect on it, you will agree, there are so many who have help shape you personally & professionally, and it was not until I stopped and thought about it, that regardless of who you are, you had help along the way.

During our travels we encounter, work and deal with various people, some of whom are ruthless, cunning, self-absorbed, and unkind. Unbelievably, there is a lesson to be learned from those – do not be like that!

Early on in my career, I was very headstrong, wanting to see change always pointing the finger outward, thinking ‘why don’t they (whomever) do this or that about whatever?’  One day, I read a quote by Lily Tomlin where she said, “I always wondered why someone didn’t do something about that, and then I realized, I am someone" – this was a game changer for me. I was someone, and I needed to be a participant if I wanted to have a voice, I had to be willing to serve.

That quote had an amazing impact on me, I wanted to become an agent of change, or as my dear friend Paul Kiewiet has always called it, a disruptor. I made the conscious decision at that point to start giving back, so I could help others grow and succeed. If you have any semblance of self, you will agree it is a sad thing to watch others struggle and fail, you can see it in their face, it is sad.

I remember watching the movie “Scent of A Woman” in it Al Pacino had a memorable line which affected me as well, he stated, “There is nothing like the sight of an amputated spirit…there is no prosthetic for that.” We have all experienced those down times or have seen friends and colleagues going through the same – but I believe we CAN do something to help others succeed it becomes an overall game changer – for our industry, for the individual, and it lifts us too.

As you reflect on your career path, reflect on those who have helped you along the way. Forty years ago, I met Becky Kushner-Schumacher and her father Meyer who gave me my first opportunity in this crazy, wonderful business. As with any endeavor, it wasn't always smooth sailing, but the outcome has been amazing. How did you get started in the business?

Many years ago, I became acquainted, and later friends with, Glen Holt, MAS. Glen was a humble, gracious man who on more occasions that I can remember, patiently gave his time to help me understand the best methods to communicate openly and honesty. Who in your life has patiently and openly given their time to you, unconditionally for your betterment?

Also, my friends, Carl Rosenfeld, Ed Johnson, MAS and Paul Lage, MAS who would selflessly made and make, themselves present and available when I needed a hand, freely giving advice, assistance, and guidance. The biggest takeaway here, is to be present and available to help others.

If you ever have been to an ASI Show, you will undoubtedly see Norm Cohn, Chairman of ASI walking the show floor, not in a pompous, look at me manner, but understated and authentic. Norman will walk the outside of the show floor, randomly walking up to strangers, thanking them for attending – it is not superficial, it is intentional! Just by observation, Norman has taught me grace and humility, both key attributes to anyone’s success.

I have watched folks like Dale Denham, MAS+, Ronni Wright, Fran Ford, Gene Geiger, JoAn Lantz and an array of others who always raise/d their hands and rolled up their sleeves to selflessly serve. You can learn a ton about one’s character by simply observing.

So many of you, my friends, and colleagues helped mold and shape me as a person – and I am confident, many of you had no idea. I did not get here alone, your lessons, your guidance, your character, have been the catalyst for my growth and commitment. From your efforts, I have learned the incredible power of serving and giving back. 

Several years ago, Joe Charbanneau spoke at PPAI as their keynoter. During his presentation he shared a powerful statement which still resonates till this day; he called it the The Law of Reciprocity, He stated, “There is a law in life called the law of reciprocity, simply stated, you’ve got to give, give, give, before you get, get, get, and the more you give, the more you get.” It works, both personally and professionally.

As I reflected, I realized this industry has provided me and my family so much, a career I absolutely am passionate about, a comfortable home, education for my two children, vacations with my wife Maria, and the genuine lasting friendships with you – truly, what more could anyone want or need?

The things I have learned to do, and not to do, have spilled over into my personal life. I have learned and been able to share the positives with my two children Cait and Alex.

My friends, I would like to leave you with this:

• Continue to give back, share your unique you

• Be generous with your time and talents, the world needs you

• Be open to all possibilities, by doing this positive change happens

• Thank each of you for being my friend

Additionally, who has inspired you? Who have you observed during your life who you have chosen to follow or emulate? Who had influence in your life? How have they helped you grow, achieve, and get you where you are today?

After pondering this, call them, thank them, be specific, intentional, and authentic with your words - then pass it on, be a positive disruptor, and help make every facet of others life shine – you have for me, and I thank you!

Until next time, note, I got here because of you, gratefully - CQ