Today my dad will embark upon a new journey…retirement. In the minutia of our daily lives, it is difficult to stop and reflect on someone’s influence. In the year of #accomplish2017, I put aside some weekend time to reflect on my Dad’s influence.
John Quincy Adams once said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” I can’t think of a better quote to summarize my dad’s leadership. For the past 32 years, I thankfully witnessed my dad as a leader, hoping to braid his qualities with my own.
While I know, he is eagerly awaiting his morning cup of coffee looking out over the lake with nowhere to be. I’m sure the first late night Tigers game won’t get a single hesitation about staying up late. In retirement, he will be fine. But his 44 years of experience taught me many lessons and I’d like to share them with you.
As a tyke, I recall the anticipation of bringing him lunch. It was predictable, as soon as my sisters, mom and I walked through the store doors, dad would be waiting there to hug us. I can’t remember a single time in my life when I walked into Wickes, or now ProBuild, and my dad wasn’t willing to stop whatever meeting he was in to acknowledge us. Likewise, his employees mimicked the same values. They all knew us by name, asked how we were doing and were always willing to hand us a piece of candy, whether we were 4 years old or 32. 44 years later, most those employees remain and the same values persist. Family always comes first.
Many people would define their work place and home life differently. When I think of my dad and his employees, in comparison to our home life, they are blended. Celebrations and difficult times are worth his attention regardless of who it pertains to. I recall the evening the store caught on fire. I vividly remember sitting in the back of the truck watching the flames roar and the scent of the burning lumber seeping through the window cracks. It was like watching my dad lose a piece of himself. His passion and commitment for his career and employees have never decreased regardless of the situation. I can only hope that when people look at me they can’t help but see passion and drive.
My dad is the first person to put down his to-do list and pick up another. More often I talk to my dad on my commute to work and he is out plowing the driveway for his crew, unloading a truck of windows, or driving three hours to ensure a client receives their delivery on their timeline. Many leaders speak of interdependence, when I think of my dad, I recall hearing this from him, but more so, seeing him live it. If you’re going to say it’s a value or belief, then show it.
While I know, there are countless narratives to share explaining my dad’s influence on others, I’d like to hone in on one. Throughout high-school, my dad and I had lunch together nearly every Wednesday. What I remember most about our lunches is his ability to listen and speak in a manner that wanted me to do more and become more. Whether we were talking about my jump shot the night before, a mistake I’d made, or my attitude at home, his way with words always left me thinking what more I could do. Listen carefully and encourage aspirations and growth.
As a teenager, I dreamed of becoming a Lady Volunteer. My bedroom walls were covered with basketball photos and books about Pat Summit. While most would say keep dreaming. My dad never once told me I couldn’t do it. He spent countless evenings outside under the street light rebounding my shots, driving from city to city to make sure I had the best basketball shoes and was in the stands for every game. While I didn’t end up going to Tennessee to play basketball, there was never a day that didn’t think I could do it. To this day, when I dream of spending my days writing, my dad still tells me to do it. Regardless of my age, my dad inspires me to be who I want to be, lead how I want to lead, and never settle for less than I believe I deserve. His patience and support in someone else’s dreams is invaluable. Never say you can’t.
After college, I moved to Phoenix, AZ. I’ll never forget saying good-bye in the driveway, nor the 30 some odd hours spent in the car wondering if I’d made the biggest mistake of my life. Not once did my parents try to change my mind, and at the time I couldn’t figure out why. It now makes sense. I pulled out of the driveway thinking everything was going to change, but just logistics changed. Rather than having lunch, we text about having lunch and rather than watching games together we call for score updates. Instead of talking over the dinner table, we Facetime. While it may not be our first pick, it’s better than nothing at all. When the first best thing isn’t an option, find the next and make it the best.
Dad, as you prepare to embark upon a new journey, don’t forget to take a moment and reflect on your 44 years of leadership. Though you no longer run a store, stores or an entire region, you will always be a leader. You invested countless hours, influenced thousands of customers and employees, and inspired many. Your professional influence impacted me to dream more. Because of you, I continue to learn more, do more, and become more.
Thank you for being an amazing father and role model, both professionally and personally.
Cheers to the next 44 years!