Welcome to 2022
Before we get started, I must ask a big favor. Remember what happened in 2020? Remember people saying at the start of 2021 that it couldn’t be worse than 2020? PLEASE don’t say that 2022 can’t be worse than 2021! Thank you for your cooperation.
I will admit that 2021 had its challenges.
Troop withdrawal in Afghanistan
Supply chain issues
The US Southern Border
Covid variants and vaccine mandates
Winter storms and airline flight delays and cancellations
Betty White passing away
All in all, there were these and several other events that made 2021 a challenging year for all of us. But it has been my observation that even with these issues to deal with, the American people will always find a way to deal with problems, and still do everything they can to help their neighbors and their community. I have learned that it’s not what happens to you, it’s what you do with it that matters. It’s what you learn from the trials that help you move on and succeed.
With that being said, 2021 was actually a pretty good year for me. I will share the top three events that helped me keep focused on the future.
3. My new job
A lot of you know that I resigned from my job at John Deere in 2015 to start a new business in consulting and customer service training. I remember when some of my old customers asked me what I was doing. “You’re trying to teach people about customer service?” was their sarcastic question. My reply was “It’s like my basketball coaching, do as I say, not as I do. Just because I tell you not to foul, doesn’t mean I’m not going to foul!” It has taken a while to get it going, but in August I started as the Dealer Development Consultant for the Far West Equipment Dealers Association. I have met some very nice people and made some great contacts with leaders in the industry.
2. Growth of the Foundation
The first year I started the Foundation, we raised $600. The next year we raised $2,800. Last year we raised over $44,000. The most amazing part of that growth is the fact we only do one sponsored fundraiser (The Crusade Against Cancer.) The rest of the funds came from individuals, groups, and business’s that held their own fundraisers for the Foundation. Words cannot adequately express the profound gratitude, appreciation, and gratefulness these wonderful people give me. I am so grateful to live in such an amazing community.
- I Got married!
By far the greatest event for me in 2021 was getting to marry Kristi. She is the most compassionate, caring, and empathetic person I know. She is always helping anyone that needs anything, no matter where they are. She has always been there to give me strength and support whenever I need it. She is so beautiful, sweet, and most importantly patient! I consider myself the luckiest man in the world.
So, I say bring on 2022! No matter what challenges it brings, I know we will all stick together and make the absolute best of it. Thanks for reading.
Next week: Christmas Log
P.S. One more basketball coaching tip: If I tell you to pass the ball, doesn’t mean I’m going to pass the ball. Remember, “Do as I say, not as I do.”