My dads an incredibly smart man. •Great leader •Can fix anything •Socially strong & networks well •Read a book a week for 30 years He NEVER moved up in his company. I asked him WHY & the answer he gave me brought me to tears. Here’s THE BEST LESSON my dad ever taught me.
He told me at 25 he gave up drinking for good. His dad was a war hero but had a drinking problem & he was on the same path until he met Jesus at 24 & I was born. He didn’t go to college. He married my mom at 18 to escape childhood & at 18.5 they were pregnant with my sister.
He had to grow up fast & took a job at an auto parts store at 18. He was quickly promoted & promoted again to assistant manager by 20. At 23 he was promoted to manager & running his entire shop. The money was good, but the hours weren’t. 60 + hours a week & never home.
His mentor, a man named Bill Miller, & a manager of a bigger store was stepping down after 40 years of service. My dad went to congratulate him afterward & what Bill told him changed my dads life & ultimately mine forever. He pulled my dad aside and said,
Garry it’s NOT WORTH IT. I’m an old man now. I gave everything to this company. I missed my sons baseball games & my daughters dance recitals. After 40 years I got this F*cken watch. He threw it away. I wish I could go back & NOT work so much. My kids are grown & moved away.
My dad remained friends with Bill & the next year decided to step down as manager. He went on to work as a parts guy 5 days a week from 7:30-3:30. The thing I always recall about my childhood is my dad was always home & always there on weekends playing & coaching!