Skip to content

Do I Really Have Anything to Say?

“Speaking encouragement through simplicity”

September 19, 2011 Tough But Fair

I learned yesterday that one of my former employers passed away suddenly at the young age of 64. He often appeared to be a gruff man with a non-nonsense perspective on life. He was excellent at cutting to the chase and getting to the core issue that was the hinge upon which his decision would be made. And once that happened, you’d best get on board the train because there was no turning back – not that there was much worry. You see, once he made a decision, his people wanted to work for him, wanted to get it done. And they did so over and over again.

There were many of us who worked for him over the years, but all of our motivation was the same: we wanted to see that big smile, have him clap us on the shoulder with one of his big paws and say, “Thanks. Good job.” If you got one of those, you could be assured: you did a good job.

Some took his directness as him being too tough, but that toughness was a way to push his people to grow. He was always fair and never hesitated to support you if you had justification. Going in without dotting your I’s and crossing your T’s was a risk you ought not take – there were not many second chances given. But given proper preparation and the proper degree of effort shown, he was eminently fair.

His son has taken on many of these same qualities. He served in the Army and people under his command ran through walls for him. As an employee of his, we did, too. Quiet confidence, cut-to-the-chase concision, and complete decisiveness are common traits.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t also mention his vision and participation for the community at large. Through his efforts and those of his wife, he was involved in the planning and creation of a high school campus for the small Catholic feeder schools in the area; he worked through the Chamber of Commerce to make the vacation land of Hilton Head synonymous with quality of life for innovation, not just relaxation; the numerous charities, banquets, and causes he contributed to, advocated, or participated in – there’s not enough room in this space.

My thoughts and prayers are with The Boss and all of his family, friends, and coworkers who have had the good fortune to have learned at the hand of a true original. My hope is that his legacy is true to his life: tough but fair – and a father figure to those of us fortunate to have learned from him.

Tags: , , , , ,