Mark Matteson

DAN WENKER is an author, speaker, outdoor enthusiast, avid mountaineer, and former REI outdoor experiences guide. For more than fifteen years, Dan has been an avid mountaineer who has summitted Mount Rainier (twice), Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Whitney, Mount Adams (four times), Mount Hood, and Mount St. Helens (three times, including one time skiing). After growing […]

Randall Chenworth is the Executive Director of ARCA/MCA of Southern California. He is excited to continue the legacy of excellence and innovation set by his four predecessors during the association’s 85-year history. Randall spent the last six years as Director of Education for MCAMW. This background has instilled in him a passion for learning and […]

Chuck Worley is the owner, founder, and leader of Worley’s Home Services in the Hampton Roads, Virginia area, as well as a mentor and speaker. Worley’s Home Services is a full, whole home services company – HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, Insulation, and Crawlspace Encapsulation. He is known for his innovative ideas and inspirational contributions to his […]

Mark Hulsewe has spent 10 years in the entertainment industry and now an executive film producer. Ready to raise the collective consciousness of humanity.

Doug Mathews is the host of Canadian Sober EH which was created to combat negative stereotypes that are associated with addiction, recovery and mental health.

Chris Pineda, PHD is an organizational psychologist dedicated to fostering authentic leadership and meaningful change, focusing on self-awareness and community engagement. He is the leader of Groundwork Leadership, where he developed the Rooted Framework, drawing on his Asia-Pacific heritage to help leaders move beyond transactional habits and build meaningful connections that impact both workplaces and […]

Tom Peregrino is the President of Service Nation. He has over 25 years’ experience in the home service industry. He first started out in sales in the mid-1990’s and then to eventually owning and operating his own company, Daffan Cooling and Heating in Granbury, Texas.

John Deaton is a successful trial attorney, US Marine veteran, cancer survivor, father to three young daughters, and someone who overcame impossible odds. He is currently a candidate for the US Senate in Massachusetts.

Andy Armstrong, currently president of BASE Solutions, is a business leader who has led billion-dollar North American sales & marketing teams. He has recently shared some of the secrets to his success in his book, The Grace Arsenal. In it, he offers a set of tactical tools and common language that will help you and […]

Dr. Bill Coplin is the founder and professor of the highly successful undergraduate Policy Studies Major at Syracuse University. An author of 110 books and articles, many of which are in education, he has taught and advised tens of thousands of undergraduates over his 50+ years of teaching.

Kathleen Klug has been working as a Fitness, Health & Wellness Professional for more than 40 years and is passionate about teaching and encouraging people to be their very best and most powerful selves. She is an Institute of Integrated Nutrition Holistic Health Coach, a Fitness Professional, a Health Educator, and the author of START […]

David Steinman is an award-winning journalist who has written best-selling and critically acclaimed books on the environment and health. He’s also the full-time chief officer of the non-profit Chemical Toxin Working Group also known as the Healthy Living Foundation, a public-interest environmental and consumer advocacy organization that takes legal action and litigates on behalf of […]

With over two decades of experience in IoT John has been recognized as a Pioneer in the M2M/IoT industry. John has had experience leading organizations in all segments of IoT – he launched and lead the IoT group at T-Mobile, he was President of RACO Wireless a very successful IoT platform company that had a […]

Daran Wastchak has been a small business owner for over 25 years. Through his company website, LearningEdgeLLC.com, he offers live virtual as well as on-demand classes for the residential building industry. Through LearningEdge.Online, Daran helps public speakers, trainers, and authors put their own classes “online” to share their message with a much larger audience. Daran […]

Guitze Messina is Executive Director at HARDI, HVACR Trade Association based in Columbus Ohio, for the Latin America division. He lives in Boca Raton, Florida. After several years as an Industrial Engineer and operations manager, he started his sales career as a management consultant for VDC Consulting, later acquired by RSM. After 7 years helping […]

Kevin Walker is driven by the search for interesting conversations with people across small business, family, sports and music. He’s an authority in audio and video production with 35+ years of radio, photography, podcast and video experience. Kevin lives in Bettendorf, Iowa and will launch a series of new podcasts including The Catholic Dad Show, […]

Catherine Wasner is the Founder and Lead Consultant at The Next Page (tothenextpage.com), a firm specializing in strategic planning facilitation, strategy alignment, goal setting, board development, and volunteer management. She has facilitated over 150 strategy sessions and has spoken at many conferences and events. She has worked as an association executive, a fundraiser, a sales […]

In the last 25years, Luis De Souza has seen the company he founded, NFS Technology, rise to become a leading international software and services business with offices in the UK, USA, India, Australia and South Africa. NFS has 100+ staff internationally and serves over 1800 clients. Luis’ career combines wide business experience with extensive management […]

Scott Adler has been in the HVAC industry for 23 years now after having been self employed in the asphalt industry. He started as a pre-apprentice and slowly worked my way up through the ranks as Project Manager, Estimator, Assistant Service Manager, Service Manager, and now General Manager of Service Operations at Hill York, an […]

Author C.J. Toca is a proud father, amature sightseer, Anglophile, barrister, and occasional peruser of classic film, art, and literature, In his spare time he’s an Amazon best selling author of the The Vacant Seat (El Asiento Vacante) which transports the reader to Scotland, Italy, Russia, Spain and Brazil in order to solve a spell-binding […]

Dr. Brandi Baldwin is the CEO of Millennial Ventures, an award-winning startup launching social impact projects in the education and workforce innovation space. Her business success has afforded her an opportunity to speak at over 200 companies both nationally and internationally to share her unconventional insights regarding the future of work, leadership, and diversity and […]

Jack Sinkler is a 35 year veteran of the HVAC/R and water heating industry who describes himself beyond fortunate and extremely blessed given the opportunities that he has been given over his career. He’s held numerous Senior executive roles at several industry leading manufacturing and distribution companies. Recognizes the HVAC/P contractors’ key role in our […]

As President of Encon, David Indursky didn’t always know that he was going to run the company founded by his father, Marty, in 1968. After 50 years, the company has grown to become a leader in the HVAC industry in New Jersey, garnering recognition and awards along the way.

Luther Clemons is COO and Chairman of the Board of Associated Equipment Co. which operates in all or part of seven Southern states as HVAC distributors. He has worked in the heating and air conditioning industry for over 60 years and has been with Associated for 50 years. He was born at home on a […]

Dick Foster is President of ZONEFIRST, the first and oldest manufacturer of zone damper control systems. An industry veteran of almost 50 years. Active in most HVACR Industry Associations ACCA, AHRI, ASHRAE, HARDI, HRAI.

Brigham Dickinson is the owner and founder of Power Selling Pros, the company that powers your customer experience with call-handling training and coaching for thousands of companies in the home service industry. He is also an owner of Booked, a night answering service for hundreds of companies in the home service industry. And Athlecare a […]

Jeff Bennington is married to Wonder Woman and dad to Super Kids. On the sly he’s a marathon runner (2018 Boston Marathon qualifier), blogger, and Amazon bestselling author of Reunion, Twisted Vengeance, The Secret in Defiance, and the Creepy Series among other books, and in 2022 the HVAC MILLIONAIRE MINDSET.

Kimberly Best, RN, MA, is a Tennessee Rule 31 Listed Civil Mediator and Tennessee Rule 31 Trained Family Mediator, FINRA Arbitrator, and owner of Best Conflict Solutions, LLC. Kim’s practice focuses on Family Mediation, Health, and Elder Care Mediation, Civil and Business Mediation, and personal and organizational Conflict Coaching and Conflict Consulting. Learn more here: […]

Married to Rosemary since 1977, Dave Rothacker is a husband, dad of two girls and grandfather of three. He’s a leadership guide for the Go Time Success Group, conducting leadership masterminds as a John Maxwell independent executive director. Along with Ben Stark and Chris Hunter, Dave is author of It’s Go-Time, a book about Ben […]

Paul Gallagher is a Guest Advocate, Results Driver, and coach. Currently the Director of Sales for the Great American Homestore (a top 100 furniture and bedding retailer). Previously in Sales Management for the DSG dba. Ashley Furniture Homestore group (a top 50 furniture and bedding retailer) and a furniture store owner/ operator.

Art Edmonds is a TV Host, Spokesperson and Voiceover Talent with over 17 years of experience. He is currently best known as the co-host of the TV show “Military Makeover with Montel”. Art, along with host Montel Williams, give a complete home makeover to a deserving wounded U.S. Veteran. The show airs Nationally on Lifetime.

Jason Medbury is CEO and partner at TMB Creative, INC, a creative service firm based in Southern California. Specializing in video production, Jason and his team help clients in all facets and industries create marketing and training collateral to help increase lead flow, establish credibility, and build audiences. TMB also produces a docu-series sponsored by […]

Mike Finely is a 26 year U.S. Army veteran who came upon a solution that changed the course of his life. That solution involved money and building a foundation for a more meaningful and purpose driven life. He shares what he has learned with his classes, presentations and his four books: Financial Happine$$, What Color […]

Dustin Flatten, Co-Owner and President of Active Heating in Watertown, SD. Married to Jennifer and have two children, Max (16) & Wilkes (12). Outside of work, I enjoy golf, hunting, and spending time with my family.

Dennis Hamon aka Dennistheapprentice on most social media platforms, Co owns and operates Gene Johnson Plumbing and Heating and a Zoom Drain Franchise in the Seattle Market. Dennis is passionate about introducing young people to the vast opportunities in the trades and helping them develop lucrative careers.

An award-winning professional speaker and author of The Seller’s Journey: A Business Fable about Navigating the Emotional Obstacles to Selling Your Business. Denise knows that, to an owner, selling their business is so much more than just a transaction. To them, it is an emotionally fraught period of transition, filled with unexpected highs and lows, […]

Anish Majumdar is a Certified Professional Career Coach who SPECIALIZES in helping senior-level professionals identify and leverage their unique worth to CALL THE SHOTS in their career. You can learn more about Anish at his website helloanish.com.

Andy Armstrong, currently president of BASE Solutions, is a business leader who has led billion-dollar North American sales & marketing teams. He has recently shared some of the secrets to his success in his book, The Grace Arsenal. In it, he offers a set of tactical tools and common language that will help you and […]

As a sales & marketing entrepreneur, podcaster, and author; Scott W. Mulvaney channels his health nut, adrenaline junkie energy into everything he influences. He is FUELED by the values he learned from firefighting: Duty, Respect, and Integrity and incorporates them into his trifecta of fire-inspired brands’ including FUELUPMarketing.com, his charitable organization FUELFoundations.org, and his lifestyle […]

Greg Cagle is a passionate advocate for authenticity, a transformational executive coach, a corporate culture consultant, an author, and a speaker. Leveraging more than twenty-five years of in-the-trenches experience in building and leading his own companies, Greg comes alongside leaders and guides companies to position them for breakthrough success in building a culture that blows […]

Award-winning industry trainer Kenny Chapman founded The Blue Collar Success Group® to provide home service companies with the consistent, ethical coaching that was severely lacking in the trades. Since then, the Blue Collar membership community has boosted its bottom line through technician/team training, on-site consulting, Academies and special events, personalized marketing tools, and business strategies, […]

As the founder and CEO of Nectar Consulting, Inc., and co-author of the best-selling book “Breakthrough Healing,” Michele Molitor works with executives and entrepreneurs bringing over 30 years of experience, intuitive insights and strategic business savvy to your success. As a nationally recognized speaker, certified executive coach, Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) & Heart Healing® practitioner, […]

Daran Wastchak is a small business performance coach, author, and professional speaker. In 2018, he sold the company he owned for nearly 20 years to three of his employees. He now teaches small business owner how to create a “Freedom Focused” business through articles, a podcast, master classes, and online courses. Daran brings to his […]

Dane Espegard is a Hall of Fame Member of CUTCO/Vector and has been the #1 Producer in Vector Marketing and manager in all of CUTCO in the last 2 years. He has trained thousands of sales representatives and managed over $51 Million worth of Cutco sales. Dane is also a culture consultant who teaches, assists […]

Bew White lll, is Chairman of the Board of Gabriella White and it’s brands, Summer Classics, Gabby and Wendy Jane. In 2013 he was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Society of International Business Fellows and in 2021 Bew White received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Casual Furnishings Association. He is also […]

Tom Van Arsdale is former professional player for the NBA. The 6 ft 5 guard played collegiately at Indiana University under longtime head coach Branch McCracken. Selected by the Detroit Pistons in the second round of the 1965 NBA draft, Van Arsdale was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team in 1966, together with his identical […]

From Bob Logan: I’ve lived in Colorado my whole life and grew up with 6 sisters. I’ve been married to a beautiful lady for 32 years, Jackie. We have 3 grown children, Lynise 30, Taylor 27, and Riley 24. Riley is married to Martha and they have a daughter, Lilianne who is 20 months old. […]

Courtney Bejgrowicz is an author and high school English teacher who uses her passion for literature and desire to inspire others to inform her work. She enjoys mentoring teachers and helping her students find their inner voice. Her book, Grad to Grown-Up is available at Amazon.com.  

Third Generation Owner of GSM Services with brother Steven in Gastonia NC. Which is a full-service residential HVAC and commercial HVAC and Roofing Company. President of Commercial Divisions. Current President of Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors National Association(PHCC)  

Ron Collier, PhD, has been a contracting industry consultant for 35 years and has helped over 6000 companies. His software programs Collier Flat Rate, ProfitTracker, and Electronic Financial Officer has helped thousands of companies achieve success. His new book, Profit is An Attitude, shows contractors how to make the double digit profits they deserve. To […]

Laurie Hardie is an Author, Coach Trainer, Podcaster and Seattle Radio Personality, afternoons on WARM 106.9. In her book she shares her journey from stay home mom to single mom and how to navigate the transition. You can pick up her book here: https://www.amazon.com/Did-Not-See-That-Coming/dp/1938686330/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1JHDEYW2QRWTS&keywords=Laurie+Hardie&qid=1647895416&sprefix=laurie+hardie%2Caps%2C177&sr=8-2

Roger Willett is a 23 year veteran of the HVAC community. He’s also a retired army veteran. He’s worked in distribution as a commercial sales rep and then for the last 10 years, Mitsubishi electric train, HVACUS. Roger managed a residential sales team, and two of the largest distributors. He lives in Maine with his […]

Lauri Rollings is the president and CEO of Lauri Rollings and Associates. She provides consulting services promoting recruiting and retention of women and people of color in the construction industry. She is a steering committee member of the Safe from Hate Alliance, a group of construction industry stakeholders dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion […]

Enjoy more from Old Light Through News Windows. In Old Light Through New Windows, bestselling author Mark Matteson asks fifty-two questions that shape our thinking, revealing how personal and organizational problems can be traced to the kinds of questions we ask ourselves and our organizations every day. Get your copy today: https://sparkingsuccess.net/store/#!/Old-Light-Through-New-Windows/p/388495107/category=4020015

This week Mark reads excerpts from his new book, Old Light Through News Windows. In Old Light Through New Windows, bestselling author Mark Matteson asks fifty-two questions that shape our thinking, revealing how personal and organizational problems can be traced to the kinds of questions we ask ourselves and our organizations every day. Get your […]

Carolyn Lopez is a transformational coach, best selling author, speaker, actor, and founder of coach Carol LLC. She’s the master of accomplishing all she sets out to achieve her passion is helping clients develop a better understanding of themselves and live their dreams. Carol truly values their clients and loves seeing people getting competence to […]

Tommy Mello is the founder of A1 garage doors, a $50 million home service business. And he created the home service expert to share his knowledge with other entrepreneurs through his podcast book and blog so they can grow their business just like he did. You can learn more about Tommy here: https://homeserviceexpert.com/

Heather Stratford, founder and CEO of Drip7, Inc is the thought leader in the cybersecurity field. Heather writes and speaks on cyber entrepreneurship and microlearning, she’s the national Tory Burch fellow graduate of 10,000 small business program and winner of the women in business leadership award. She’s an adjunct professor for Woodworth University and is […]

lex Carney and the Creative Selling team has performed nearly 1400 real estate transactions bringing traditional and creative real estate buyers, sellers, and investors together one property at a time serving Cuyahoga, Summit, Lorain, Medina, Geauga and Lake Counties. Alex simply loves real estate and his passion shines through whatever he does each and every […]

Ray Skelton is the president of Specialty Group. They specialize in environmental abatement services and commercial installation in Spokane, Washington. Ray’s enthusiastic about the realization that a successful company is a direct result of the greatest asset employees. He also believes that safety, quality and production go hand in hand building a strong customer relationship. […]

Shane Rinner brings two decades of experience in coaching college basketball to Veritas Wealth Management and wields his coaching prowess as a financial advisor in managing investor behavior towards financial success. Joining Veritas in 2015, Shane encourages investors to use the same discipline & determination that won his teams championships to help achieve their financial […]

Pete Danielson has spent over 30 years in the HVAC and plumbing industry. He began his career in distribution and then went to work for a leading manufacturer where he earned in several awards, including the top performer in the U S in 2013, Pete purchased a contracting business and grew to over 7 million […]

Jeremy Lee is the General Manager, Schneller Knochelmann Plumbing, Heating, and Air (Longest Name in the industry)😊 He’s been in the industry for 9 years, started as a maintenance technician, moved into the role of comfort advisor, sales manager, and for last 4 years have been the General Manager. Since being promoted to the GM […]

Ruth King is well known as “The Profitability Master.” She is passionate about helping small business owners get profitable and stay profitable. Ruth is a serial entrepreneur having owned 8 businesses in the past 37+ years. One of her businesses, Business Ventures Corporation, began operations in 1981. Through Business Ventures, she coaches, trains, and helps […]

Greg is an entrepreneur known for his giving spirit and a knack for translating complicated situations into simple, digestible concepts. As an action taking phenomenon, strategy turns into results fast and furious, and relationships are deep and rich in the space he orbits. A firm believer in the role of win-win partnerships and making a […]

Shawn Mitchell founded Modern Mechanical in 2010 and has since grown the company to over $10 million in revenue. Shawn is a United States Army combat veteran and leads his team like he led troops; with commitment, dedication, and a passion for taking care of his team. Shawn’s business model serves as the blueprint for […]

Clay Moyle is a passionate boxing book collector and seller of boxing books and memorabilia (www.prizefightingbooks.com), as well as an author of three boxing biographies. He is also the Director of Continuous Process Improvement for Carlile Transportation, a traumatic brain injury survivor and currently resides in Edgewood, Washington with his Margaret and their two children. 

Kevin was born as a young child to Don & Audrey. Don & Audrey then had three daughters, so it was Kevin and Dad against the four women. That is where he got his sensitive side. He really started enjoying taking things apart when he finally was able to put them back together and they […]

Jason Liller returns to the podcast for another discussion around publishing, writing, speaking and the new Stone Soup Group coming soon from both Mark Matteson and Jason Liller.

Larry Zollinger helps facilities solve their HVAC, Electrical and Plumbing issues through comprehensive maintenance agreements for all trades. He consults with business owners and managers to help them better control of their utility costs. He works with all of our branches state wide to help our customers that have multiple locations.  

Jason Gay is the Owner and Operator of Maine Wood Signs (https://mainewoodsigns.com/) With a background in communications, internet, and app development Jason is right at home running the technical aspects of their new CNC milling operation. His experience in graphic design is also a huge benefit.  

Swen Nater has a truly remarkable story. No one has done what he did. He never played high school basketball (cut from tryouts) and sat the bench behind Bill Walton at UCLA. Yet, he was the 16th overall pick in the 1973 NBA draft. Swen chose the ABA first; he was not satisfied with simply […]

Ellen Rohr started Bare Bones Biz, a venture capital and consulting company in 1995 to help folks of all ages turn their big ideas into successful businesses. Ellen is also a successful franchisor, helping launch a plumbing franchise to 47 locations and $40 million in sales in under 2 years. Now, she is the president […]

Paul Kelly brings over 35 years in the home services industry and purchased Parker and Sons in 2004, where he grew the business from 25 trucks and $7 million in revenue to more than 350 trucks and $125 million in revenue in 2019. Under Kelly’s leadership, Parker and Sons has become one of the largest […]

In this episode of On Books and People, we flip the script with Jason Liller (Liller Creative) interviews host Mark Matteson and discusses his career, advice for speakers and writers, and the introduction of their new joint venture – Stone Soup Group – and online community which works with speakers and writers from novice to seasoned […]

Roy Newey has spent 40 years running his own companies and selling them. Leading companies from £3m to £180m turnover and acting on the boards of more than 100 growth companies over the last 20 years. Consulting in 85 countries then opening businesses in 15 countries by working with the public, private and not for […]

Since 1995, Sylvia Hampel has shaped the training programs, product choices and systematic cleaning services that make Clearview Cleaning one of the top commercial janitorial companies. Ms. Hampel is a strong advocate throughout the community on the benefits of green cleaning methods and products and achieving LEED certification for her clients. Prior to founding Clearview […]

Donna Cameron has spent her career working with nonprofit organizations and causes—as an executive, consultant, trainer, and volunteer. She has seen kindness in action and been awed by its power to transform. While she considered herself a reasonably nice person (with occasional lapses into crankiness), she knew that true kindness was a step above. When […]

Steve Miles is VP & CEO of Jerry Kelly Heating and Air Conditioning Company in St. Charles Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis, and a recipient of the 2017 Ron Smith Leadership Award. Steve has been with Jerry Kelly since 1994 (serving as General Manager since 1999). Among other things, he’s known throughout the HVAC […]

After serving in the US Air Force during the First Gulf War, Jason Liller made the fateful decision to visit his local bookstore and ask for a job, beginning a thirty-year odyssey of bookselling, publishing, writing, and editing. Recruited by the legendary Charlie “Tremendous” Jones, Jason spent almost twenty years helping run his publishing company, […]

Kenny Chapman is an acclaimed authority on helping people discover their true potential. His compelling teachings have inspired individuals worldwide to reshape their lives and organizations, creating lasting change and unparalleled success. An entrepreneur at heart, Kenny built a highly successful plumbing/HVAC company which created the personal freedom to travel and pursue other endeavors. To […]

Adam Christing has been featured on more than 100 radio & TV shows including ABC World News, PBS, and Entertainment Tonight. He is the President of CleanComedians.com, an entertainment & speakers bureau. He has personally given more than 4,000 performances and speeches. Adam is a popular master of ceremonies and is the author of Your […]

David Heimer is a founder of Service Nation Inc. and currently serves as Senior Vice President where he is responsible for business operations, sales, and technology deployments. He has been instrumental in building the company’s membership offerings (Service Roundtable and Service Nation Alliance) designed to provide service contractors with an affordable means to improve their […]

Tom Jackson is the chief executive officer of Jackson Systems, LLC. A Purdue University graduate, Tom is a degreed engineer and spent several years as a territory manager with a large heating and cooling wholesaler in Indiana. During that time, Tom learned a great deal about controls, equipment and incredible client service. In 1997, Tom […]

Chuck Lencheck is Sr. Vice President Channel Development at Service Partners which is the leading distributor of residential insulation products and related accessories in the United States. With over 75 distribution centers that offer a comprehensive array of products and services.

The CEO and Founder of The Leadership Incubator, Nancy D. Solomon is an experienced and inspiring Leadership Keynote Speaker. Currently, she delivers high energy, inspiring, relevant and timely content to thousands of people in 85 countries. Passionate about helping people become the leaders they are born to be, Nancy deeply connects with the audience and […]

Christine Rose is passionate about coaching, people, and culture. Her life mission: Compassionately developing people to life their best future. Founder and CEO of Christine Rose Coaching & Consulting, a Seattle/Tacoma based coaching firm, Christine helps CEOs and SMEs from startups to $50M annual revenues in a variety of industries to grow leadership, effective and […]

Bob Burg shares information on topics vital to the success of today’s businessperson. He speaks for corporations and associations internationally, including fortune 500 companies, franchises, and numerous direct sales organizations. Bob regularly addresses audiences ranging in size from 50 to 16,000 — sharing the platform with notables including today’s top thought leaders, broadcast personalities, Olympic […]

Michael Angelo Caruso teaches people how to be better speakers and presenters so they can help more people and amp up their careers. He utilizes his unique background in the technology sector and a separate career in the entertainment business to deliver keynote speeches that feel like a combination of your best teacher and your […]

PATRICK SNOW is an international best-selling author, professional keynote speaker, publishing, speaking and book marketing coach. He first discovered his gift for speaking at the age of 17 while giving the pre-game speeches to his high school football team. Since then, Patrick has electrified more than 3,000 audiences on four continents to create their individual […]

“Public Postings” comes straight from Mark’s new e-book “When The Tide Comes Back In…” Available soon on his website.

Kelly Schols is a speaker, author, success mentor, and business consultant. Kelly’s book: “Never by the Book” offers readers a ‘how to’ manual for living, loving, accepting life’s inevitable pain, and growing in spite of it. The book is raw, real, and riveting. Author Kelly Schols shares his life story in a strikingly transparent style […]

“This Too Shall Pass” comes straight from Mark’s new e-book “When The Tide Comes Back In…” Available soon on his website.

Jay Lipsey has nearly 20 years of experience in corporate finance, real estate, and strategic consulting across a variety of industries. He started his career in the debt capital markets group of National City Bank (now part of PNC), where he syndicated bank loans on behalf of borrowers in the manufacturing, food and beverage, and […]

Andrew Bennett is a former corporate executive with a Fortune 100 company who started his career as H. Ross Perot’s personal assistant. Eight years later he led a $65 million business in Australia. He has over two decades experience as a global leadership and organizational culture consultant and executive coach working with clients all over […]

A true entrepreneur, in 1965 he founded Modern Air Conditioning, Inc in Ft. Myers, FL with a borrowed $500, no customers and no coworkers, and built it into one of the premier and most recognized and respected firms in the U.S. with $15 million in annual revenues (that translates to $40 million to $45 million […]

POTENTIAL Just what exactly are you capable of?  Are you manifesting all that is in you?  If we are honest with ourselves, the answer, for most of us, is no.  Potential is like an iceberg.  90% of it is unseen. The world only sees 10% or less.  Margaret Mead once said, “Most human beings operate […]

Tim Brink is the chief operating officer at the Mechanical Contractors Association of America. He’s also the executive director of the association’s foundation, the Mechanical Contracting Education and Research Foundation. Tim brings a unique perspective to his work at MCAA. He’s served in virtually every role in our industry, including a contractor, local association exec, […]

Since 1992 Dr. Hal Urban has been passionately dedicated to the Character Education movement, and is recognized as one of the leaders in the field. He has been speaking both nationally and internationally since then.  It all started with his best-selling “Life’s Greatest Lessons.”  He is the author of seven books. You can learn more here https://halurban.com/ […]

New Years Resolution don’t work. There, I said it and I am glad. We need to wake up! According to Newsweek “89% of American set Resolutions and only 49% are successful in achieving them six months later!” It’s a trap called “Fresh-Startism”. (This time it will be different.) Rubbish! It’s a wish. I ask people […]

Nic Bittle is the founder of Work Force Pro and works with contractors that want to prepare and develop their workforce to lead with impact, act like a pro, and perform at their best on a daily basis. He does this in a variety of different ways. Nic is author of three books, Small Business, […]

Elaina (Burdick) Wellstead is the President of EB&L Marketing (https://ebandlmarketing.com/), a full service HVAC marketing firm. Elaina grew up around HVAC and recognized that residential contractors – with their limited time and marketing training – needed help promoting their companies. This led her to open a marketing company that is 100% focused on HVAC. Her […]

Most people want to be happy.  If you ask 100 people, 80% will say, “Of course I want to be happy.  Doesn’t everyone?”  Yet most of those people are not.  Why?  What causes happiness?  Can it be created? I believe the answer is yes.  Abraham Lincoln, who suffered more tragedy and heartache than most men […]

Kevin Knebl is an international speaker, author, trainer, and Joie de Vivre coach, whose clients include small, medium, and Fortune 500 companies. He’s an in-demand, leading authority on social selling, relationship marketing, LinkedIn and Twitter, with a healthy dose of personal development and humor blended in for good measure for conferences, conventions, company training, and […]

It’s summer time in beautiful Lake Chelan, WA. This sleepy little burg of 6,000 full time residents comes alive like Peter Frampton’s 1976 album. 250,000 people converge on this 55-mile long lakefront community from May to October. My wife and I spend as much time as we can here in the summer. With every rose comes […]

Most people I talk to don’t love their work. It’s a job. I have one friend who has been with the Post Office for 35 years and hates her job, always has. She can’t wait to retire to do something else. Wow. A 35-year self-imposed prison sentence. It’s the 4th of July. Independence Day. To […]

Years ago I read a biography on Will Rogers. His rise to fame and fortune was astonishing. He died too soon. Like Mark Twain, he had a way with words. His quotes were pithy and poignant. Here are some of my favorites: When someone else blows your horn, it travels twice as far. If you […]

From age 12 to 13-1/2, I grew 9” in those painful 18 months.  I was a gangly, clumsy kid.  Who wouldn’t be?  My knees ached constantly and I knocked things over with great regularity.  It became an issue in my family and frankly, a punch line and callback, mostly with raised eyebrows or disgusted looks. […]

I ran into an old friend today.  We had a lot of the same classes in junior high.  His name is Tim.  He saw me driving and made a u-turn to say hello. We talked for 30 minutes.  We talked about childhood memories. The conversation turned to gratitude.  We are both grateful to be alive.  […]

One of my favorite old movies of all time is a little known epic entitled “El Cid” starring Charlton Heston. It was one of the last of the great epics of the 1960’s with a cast of thousands. They literally had thousands of extras for the extraordinary battle scenes. Now Hollywood uses Digital Computer Graphics […]

I was enjoying a quiet breakfast in Galveston, TX with a good book. The day before I had presented to a group of 150 mangers and engineers. I was in the zone. The words just flowed. It happens sometimes. Preparation meeting opportunity. When I was done, one person stood up to clap, then another, soon […]

On my birthday, a good friend sent me an email that said, “Mark is Double Nickels Today!” That made me smile. I like myself today. That’s a strange to say if you are 25 years old. I certainly didn’t like me much then. I do now. Life is funny that way. It’s not that I […]

When I was in high school, when a conflict arose, I would take out a coin and say, “Okay, let’s flip a coin to decide. Heads I win, tails you lose.” Believe it or not, it worked about 20% of the time. A teacher admonished me for my bit of clever sleight of hand. As […]

Yesterday, I closed a couple of speaking gigs.  As I thought about what happened, it dawned on me, sales is a process.  A process that involves both an art and a science.  Like following the instructions assembling a child’s toy,  we need to go step by step, one thing at a time.  When we do, […]

Easter Sunday.  Westgate Chapel was packed to the rafters for second service, 11:30 am.   I reckon most people like to sleep in.  The music was inspiring, contemporary and lively.  Not why I came.  I want to see Pastor Alec Rowlands preach.  He is right in my backyard, in his late sixties, seasoned, savvy, fun and inspiring.  […]

I am a recovering pessimist.  I used to be caustic, cynical, negative and pessimistic.  I made fun of you given half a chance.  Hey, I was mean but i thought I was funny.  It pushed people away.  I didn’t have a clue.  Because I am a big guy, no one had the courage to tell me.  One […]

When I was in the 4th grade, I use to stand on the playground and wonder my insides didn’t match everyone else’s outside.  My confidence and self-worth were lacking.  I had a stutter. Girls terrified me.  Despite all that, I was searching.  Searching for answers to some of life’s questions.  The one thing I had […]

In 1982, I read the classic self-help “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie. It changed my life. I must have read it 25 times. I listened to the audio cassette at least 10 times. (Cassettes were these these things we had…oh, never mind). Just remember, repetition really is the mother of […]

One of my greatest teachers taught me a simple principle. “When you share your WINS you double your positive emotions. Conversely when you share your fears or challenges, you cut them in half.” Simple. Rare. Why donʼt most people do this? Women are smarter than men. They process all the things that are going on in their life. They […]

Upon reading an article on actor Tom Berenger, I went on YouTube and watched the 3-hour TNT Mini-series “Rough Riders” about our 26th President, Teddy Roosevelt. What a story. I am a huge TR fan, having read at least ten books on his life. My favorite was the Pulitzer Prize winning book “The Rise of […]

Good is the enemy of great. The easier it is to be good, the harder it is to great. If good comes easy to, great will elude you. Deciding to be great is a choice, a lonely one. Rigid thinking is the enemy of innovation. “This is the way we have always done it” will […]

New Years Resolution don’t work. There, I said it and I am glad. We need to wake up! According to Newsweek December 24, 2012 article by Oliver Burkeman, “89% of American set Resolutions and only 49% are successful in achieving them six months later!” It’s a trap called “Fresh-Startism”. (This time it will be different.) […]

When my children were young (ages 4 and 8), I asked them two big questions before they drifted off to sleep each night. After we read a book and said our prayers, I asked: 1) What was the most fun you had today? 2) What are you looking forward to tomorrow? The first question demands […]

My newest e-book It’s About TIME! is now available on my website bookstore. Here is an excerpt from it: This book is about living your life with no regret. It is about eliminating the IF ONLY I HAD’s in your life. If you follow the suggestions, you will live a full and rich life and […]

I read a little book entitled Anyway by Keith Kent. He lists the 10 Paradoxical Commandments. They remind me of my youngest son, Evan. In December of 2010, my wife and I flew to Oahu to watch him play basketball, three games on three islands. They won all three and it was a defining moment […]

“Snake Pliskin, I thought you were dead!” It’s a callback, a reoccurring line from one of my favorite guilty pleasures, the campy movie starring Kurt Russell, “Escape from New York. No, I am not dead. I took a blog sabbatical. It’s been ten months since my last blog post. A few people asked me why […]

A wise old farmer asked his fourteen year old grandson to help him with a long overdue project, to remove the boards from a six foot high fence that needed repair one saturday morning. He laid out exactly WHAT he wanted done and WHY it was so important, as any good leader would. The HOW […]

My oldest son Colin has been playing professional basketball since he graduated from University of Fairbanks, Alaska in 2009. First he played in Cottbus, Germany and led his team to the championship. Next it was off to Darwin, Australia where he averaged 27 points per game including three 42 point games (hitting 10 three pointers […]

Declarations are a simple way to assimilate the positive precepts into your life and make them your own. Below are the 13 Habits that will change your life for good. Read each one two to five times a day for a week and then move to the next one. At the end of the year, […]

I recently spent an fascinating weekend with a teacher. Every person is a teacher; some are warnings, some are examples. Just what do I mean by that? Well, in general there are two kinds of people, Anchors and Speedboats. Anchors drag us down to the bottom where they like to live. Speedboats pull us forward […]

As the current economic uncertainty continues, many people are scared, frozen, and full of fear. Sometimes the best thing you can do is go to the movies. Old black and white movies are my favorite. Nothing like a great story to put things in perspective. Some movies change your life. Every generation, a movie comes […]

Have you ever met a Gentleman? Someone with class and sophistication? Do you remember the Grey Poupon ad some years ago? “Pardon me, do you have any Grey Poupon?” I loved that ad. Recently a very successful physician turned entrepreneur called me. We met at his magnificent home on the shores of Lake Washington, in […]

In every conversation you will always hear two words eventually. Anyway or Exactly. They are both communication barometers, a compass pointing the way, guideposts if you will, to calibrate how well you are building trust and developing the relationship. I was a brand new sales rep. I had been reading every sales book I could […]

Like many of you, I have taught my kids how to do a number of things when they were growing up. Teaching starts first at home. From tic-tac-toe, swimming, basketball, to learning to speak english; pick any sport or skill. We all start at the bottom. When Evan was five years old, it was time […]

Elbert Hubbard was the author of the moralistic essay “A Message to Garcia.” A freelance newspaperman and head of sales and advertising for a manufacturing company, Hubbard retired in 1892 and founded Roycroft Press in 1893 at East Aurora, NY on the model of William Morris’ communal Kelmscott Press, which he had visited in England. […]

When I was in the first grade, I watched Debbie Poe fly across the monkey bars at recess. It was amazing. Like a monkey, she glided from one bar to the next. I climbed up and made my first attempt. Down I went. Girls are smarter than boys. Dusting myself off, I watched her go […]

In a recent magazine article, actor Mathew McConaughey, was being interviewed. The reporter asked him why he thought the last 15 years in film had been good to him. “Always be a gentleman and don’t lie.” As I considered the simplicity of that statement, I was reminded of my early years of marriage. When I […]

My mother was the queen of the thank you note. She wrote hand written letters and notes every day of her life. She had a desk just for that purpose. They always made me smile. She understood a simple secret. “I was thinking of you…” Everyone she met said the same thing, “She sure is […]

English Merchant ships were sinking in the 1800’s leaving London. It turns out they were overloaded with cargo and didn’t know how much was too much. In 1876, Samuel Plimsoll was commissioned to solve the problem. His solution was simple. Samuel employed three simple steps: “Show me a ship empty. Make a mark on the […]

Recently a friend of mine said to me, “The first time I heard you speak I was struck by your confidence; Combined with your humility, it was the reason I reached out to you. It’s a great combination.” Upon reflection, I determined there was one book that influenced that combination, the classic self-help book Think […]

I have always loved a good aphorism. “I don’t sing because I am happy. I am happy because I sing.” An aphorism is a terse saying or quote the embodies a general truth. The requisite construct of a pithy or sticky aphorism has five elements: It must be BRIEF It must be PERSONAL It must […]

When I was a kid, if some other person achieved some measure of success or notoriety, more often than not, I was jealous. Sometimes I would even say, “He cheated” or “He just got lucky!” It never made me feel any better. I deluded myself into thinking somehow I was morally superior. Sad. My new […]

See if you can guess who said these words. I was 13 years old when he delivered this talk in Dayton, Ohio. I pulled excerpts from his last speech and rewrote them in OTHER WORDS….my own. “Attaining a goal, you have got to pay a price for anything worthwhile and success is paying the price. […]

On a recent trip to Montana, a client gave me a book by James P. Owens entitled “Cowboy Values” – It changed the way I look at things. As I read it I kept nodding in agreement. Here are the high points: 90% of the politicians give the other 10% a bad name. Cowboys carry […]

Epictetus was born into slavery about 55 A.D. in the eastern reaches of the Roman Empire. Once freed, he established himself as a Stoic of great influence. I digested a book of his philosophy recently entitled “The Art of Living” – Here are my favorite portions: “First say to yourself what you would be; then […]

This time of the year we see lists and reflections upon the year gone by. I guess it’s my turn to give you five categories of five favorite things from 2010. Five Favorite Famous Quotes from 2010 “I’m not a witch!” Christine O-Donnell television ad October 4, 2010 “I’d like my life back.” Tony Hayward, […]

Business slows to a crawl this time of the year. Holiday parties, family gatherings, vacations headed south. Hey, I am leaving for Hawaii tomorrow for nine days! What to do if your prospects are not returning your calls or emails? How can you still be effective? Here is a short list of professional and personal […]

Recently I was assisting a friend clarify her goals on paper, 3 x 5 cards. We listed WHAT she wanted to achieve in 2011. Five goals. We prioritized them. We chose ONE GOAL that was most important and re-wrote in personal, positive, present tense, powerful language. We listed ten reasons WHY she wanted them. “Read […]

I was watching an episode of Boston Legal where William Shatner takes his Law Partner, James Spader fly fishing in British Columbia. I began to reflect upon the places my speaking and consulting business have taken me over the past 20 years. Here is the short list: >Istanbul, Turkey (The Grand Bazar and Palace after […]

I was watching some YouTube videos by speaking mentors of mine on a personal retreat in Coupeville, WA (on bucolic Whidbey Island, WA) recently when I came across this little song/powerpoint by Ahmad Jamal. Some food for thought. As you read the list, ask yourself, which one are you? Rich people believe THEY create their […]

I am reading a little book entitled “Anyway” by Keith Kent. He lists the 10 Paradoxical Commandments. Here they are. They remind me of my youngest son Evan. We are headed out in December to watch him play basketball in Hawaii, three games on three islands. Can’t wait. He lives many of these commandments. It’s […]

Do you remember the movie “Princess Bride” with Cary Elwes? I was in Baltimore conducting a Keynote to 900 people a couple of weeks ago. I had 300 copies of my new book “A Simple Choice” shipped UPS to the hotel. I went to the front desk and they informed me I could find them […]

Edgar Guest died when I was two years old. His poetry and short stories were profoundly simple and simply profound. Here is a sampling. I hope you enjoy them. Lord, Make A Regular Man Out Of Me This I would like to be- braver and bolder, Just a bit wiser because I am older, Just […]

For as long as I can remember, I have hunted for great information, the causes of success. In 1992 I took my young family to Disneyland. We stopped at a funky little beach front thrift store in San Clemente. I found an odd little cassette of some guy named Jim Rohn for the drive to […]

“Shortly after the close of the Civil War, a black man entered a fashionable Church in Richmond, VA, one Sunday morning at the beginning of a communion service. When the time came, he walked down the aisle and knelt at the altar. A rustle of shock and anger swept through the congregation. A distinguished gentleman […]

A client sent the following document recently. It is absolutely outstanding. Enjoy! The less you associate with some people, the more your life will improve. Any time you tolerate mediocrity in others, it increases your mediocrity. An important attribute in successful people is their impatience with negative thinking and negative acting people. As you grow, […]

Oh! The Places You’ll Go!
by Dr. Seuss Congratulations!
 Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away! You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to […]

In the late 1980’s I was reading a lot of poetry. Very soon after I began writing poems. I recently started collecting the ones that inspired me in my journal again after all these years. I hope you like them. The Road Not Taken Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could […]

So did you answer the questions on paper? No? Go back and reread them. Think about the questions…. Once you know the answers to those questions, chances are THAT is your bliss. When you are doing it, you time distort, losing track of time. It’s naturally fun and easy. When I am speaking, facilitating, writing […]

If you try to teach a pig to sing, two things happen: You make the pig mad You waste your time and your money! Each of us gets paid, whether we own our own company or we work for someone else, for our contribution to the marketplace. Its the quality and quantity of that contribution […]

What did the last blog tell you? When you read the “Life is” statements, how did you react to each one? As much fun as some of these little phrases are, they are also a window into the soul. They tell us and the world our beliefs and convictions. In a word, our ATTITUDE. Who […]

My mother passed away recently. I have been doing all the things that come with that. My journal has been a saving grace. Here are some thoughts from the pages: Life Have you ever considered answering the question, “Life is __________?” Life is short. Life is a wonderful journey. Life is a game. Life is […]

With legendary coach John Wooden’s passing, I recently pored over the half a dozen of books about the great teacher from my library. I was looking for the principles, that dealt more with his personal philosophy and creed. I wanted to know the reasons for his tremendous influence. I stumbled upon the following story. I […]

When someone I trust and believe, say a technician that comes into my home or business says to me, “What I would do is…” or “If it were me, I would…” I really listen. Hey, that’s what I said when I was a Chimney Sweep to my residential customers in my early twenties. It’s what […]

When I was a teenager, I ate every few hours. “I’m hungry,” was the the phrase most often heard from age 13 to 23. If I think about it, I still say that. My mother used to say, “You just ATE!” I would frown and reply, “But I’m hungry!” Our twenty year old son, the […]

My wife and I were helping our oldest son Colin and his love Stef move into their new place. The couch was never going to fit through the doorway. How did I know? Simple. The doorway was 28 inches wide and the couch was 38 inches wide. I measured it. I am after all 52 […]

Become a Lifelong Learner The word Commencement is a middle English word meaning, a beginning, a start. Upon graduation, shortly after you toss your hat in the air and peel off your gown, celebrate by all means. The next day, get back to work studying, learning, growing. College should have taught you HOW TO LEARN. […]

Smile It takes 13 facial muscles to smile, 47 to frown. Evidently, some people don’t mind the extra work! If you smile long enough, you’ll come up with a reason. Is a bird happy because he sings or does he sing because he is happy? Act and the feelings will follow. The late Harvard Professor […]

In a Keynote to a University Sports Banquet recently, I talked about something every graduate wants to know about: How to Get and Keep Your Dream Job! Here is what what I told the students and coaches. Feel free to pass it on to your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. I wish someone had handed […]

I keep a journal to capture the good stuff. Here is some well said ideas from some guy named ANONYMOUS…. I’ve learned….That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it 
gets to the end, the faster it goes. I’ve learned….That we should be glad God doesn’t give us everything we 
ask for. […]

Ever enjoyed a moment when something good happened to you quite by accident? You were looking for one thing and you stumbled onto something or someone even better than you were looking for? It happens to me all the time. It is happening with greater and greater frequency. The word is SERENDIPITY. Have you ever […]

I was working with a terrific group of people this week in Lynchburg, VA. A small company, less than 50 people. It’s an ESOP company. They are all owners. Employee Stock Option Program is a clever concept. What a great way to attract and retain the best people. After surveying the employees, conducting a tailored […]

William James was born in 1842. He went on to become the unofficial Father of American Psychology. I am a dyed in the wool “Jamesian” meaning I agree with and practice his philosophy and psychology. He heavily influenced a young Teddy Roosevelt as one of the most popular professors at Harvard College. He (and his […]

The Door of Influence There once was an ambitious and precocious young boy that loved cookies. He knew from observation that mother kept the cookies locked in the pantry. Every day after school, he had a 45 minute window before his little sister came home from school. Each day for a week, he consistently tried […]

Have you seen the new Clint Eastwood movie about Nelson Mandela starring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon? Some say it’s a sports movie about Rugby. Some say it’s a political film about Apartheid. I think its about thinking, living and focusing on principles, staying focused on the long term and INFLUENCE! After you read the […]

The Most Important Lesson When a new mentor of mine, best-selling author Ken Blanchard, was 13 years old, he would visit his grandmother who lived in another town in upstate New York. She taught him how to play Monopoly and, despite always losing to her, he loved the game. He vowed that one day he […]

How is your health? Did you set some Wellness Goals in 2010? Are you exercising daily? Are you eating better this year? My mother used to say: “If you have your health, you have everything.” She is right. I recently re-read a few books with the focus on wellness and good health: “The Secret” “The […]

His name is Joe Girard. He was born in the ghettos of Detroit. He started out as a shoeshine boy, then newspaper delivery boy, then assembling stoves. He eventually began building homes. That business failed. His father told him he would never amount to anything. At thirty five, he was married, had two kids and […]

Many years ago I came across the concept of “Getting Bigger than Your Job.” It’s a simple concept really. The theory is no one gets promoted per say, they just get bigger than their job. Are you frustrated because no one appreciates all your efforts? Have you been passed over for promotion? Do you feel […]

Do you remember the movie “Field of Dreams?” “Shoeless Joe Jackson” whispers to Kevin Costner, “If you build it, they will come!” This father and son movie was about faith, hope and redemption. Eleven Christmas’s ago, my family and I were staying at the Four Seasons in Seattle for two days during the holidays, a […]

Do you want to make a point that sticks in the mind of the prospect? Tell a story. A sad story, a funny story, a good story. I like stories that make me laugh, cry or think. I like 1st and 3rd stories best. Here is one you might like: An Italian businessman from Milan […]

I am going to be interviewed for a Podcast next week. The questions were sent to me in advance. Here they are: “Before we start, why don’t you share a little about your background. 1. You’ve just finished a new book, called “A Simple Choice.” What’s this book all about? 2. When you write books, […]

In social situations do you dominate the talking or listening? Have you developed the habit of asking questions? This Thanksgiving, I eavesdropped on conversations around the table. I made mental notes about each person at the table. Who was talking, who was listening? Who talked about themselves incessantly and who was OTHER-Centered and focused on […]

Prior to the great Depression, an 800 pound gorilla ruled the cereal jungle….Post. Launched in 1897, Post Grape-Nuts dominated the marketplace leading up to 1929. Then the crash. As the Great Depression tightened its grip, that gorilla dropped its bananas. They were cash hungry. In a move that can only be described as a cautionary […]

Form the Habit of Selling Yourself On What You Are Selling Its really believing in your product or service. Its understanding what it can really do for you clients. By developing this level of empathy, it fosters the respect for the buyer’s good sense. Form the Habit of Continuous Study Learning more can help you […]

This week I decided to break tradition and write in the third person. This profile of a sales superstar is too long for one post so I broke it up into two parts. He was born in 1912, one of nine children. His parents fled the ghettos of Russia and settled in the midwest. By […]

In 2006, I had made several presentations at Hamburger University in Oak Brook IL. It’s quite a place. It’s a world class training facility that is rented out to corporations. It’s a four star hotel that Hyatt runs. It’s a museum and a testimony to Ray Kroc’s innovative and extra-ordinary contribution to business. In the […]

In 1980 I attended my first Bruce Springsteen concert. I was forever changed. When I think of WHY I have felt connected to Bruce Springsteen’s music since then, the answer is simple. At that age and stage in my life, I wanted to break out! I want to take off. Bruce gave me permission with […]

In a recent tele-coaching session with an east coast contractor, I was reminded of a simple idea I stumbled upon 25 years ago when I was a technician and first learning how to sell. I had just changed a compressor and the customer was complaining about the cost of the compressor change. I smiled. The […]

Some of us are warnings, some of us are examples. Everyone is always glad to see you; some when you arrive, others when you leave. Sounds a little like something Mark Twain would have written. I was reading some of Samuel Clemens again recently at the library located at the Stehekin Valley Ranch last weekend. […]

It was a beautiful sunny day in Seattle, the third week in March 2003. I was headed to Starbucks attached to the local grocery store. March Madness and Girl Scout Cookies were everywhere. I was thinking about the days activities ahead. Two young Girl Scout merchants, 11 year olds and their moms where just setting […]

It was the fall of 2000. I had been in Dallas, Texas for four days conducting seminars with a fine group of successful contractors. Sales training. We covered all aspects of the sales cycle: suspects, prospects, qualifying, writing proposals, asking for the sale and following up. I had come back with a slight southern drawl. […]

It was the summer of 1992, my Dad and I were playing a game of cribbage. He was stealing points from me (his way of ‘Teaching’ me the game) when he grimaced. I thought it was a pang of conscious about cheating at cards. I was wrong. He took his shoes off and started rubbing […]

It was 1990. My new job was to sell Commercial Service Agreements. It was a fine company. They were growing. They wanted to expand their Service Base. I had a territory that no one wanted. It was the farthest away from the office. “There is no business there!” was all I heard from everyone when […]