Eyes of Remembrance - Part 1

Spiritual lessons and mountains conquered are appreciated and measured by the work and distance traveled to achieve such victory. For most conquering heroes, the battle to victory is sometimes a long, tiresome, and painful one. The rewards of endurance are very sweet and worth every moment of struggle. Only in victory do we truly appreciate the battle. Therein lies my motivation—to begin to appreciate more the battles I'm in, and in most cases started, therefore finding victory’s glory altogether consuming and most exquisite.

In 2004 I made a career decision which I hoped would track my path for many, many years. Little did I know the various ways in which that choice would challenge me and create great opportunities for growth I had yet to experience.

One of my best friend's dad owns a manufacturing company which has operated successfully for over 35 years. They were interested in expanding their business when they approached me in the fall of 2004 about moving to Montana and opening the new facility. I was a struggling college student at the time. I was a good student but some financial burdens in relation to a divorce were forcing me to work more and study less.

I knew the family well, and trusted that the opportunity would present an invaluable opportunity for growth and experience, not to mention a much greater financial compensation than I was making as I worked and tried to stay in school. I was not disappointed in any account.

Over the next 4 years I was stretched, humbled, strengthened, supported, and guided into the management responsibilities which became mine. I learned mechanical skills I never thought I'd learn, interpersonal communication skills which proved valuable on many levels, and experienced the joy, sadness, success, and struggles of individuals who worked with and for me.

I gained many new friends, experienced personal triumphs, and made many monumental mistakes. All of which lend to the man I'm becoming to this day.

Many times I found myself right in the midst of very difficult and critical personal situations where my employees were in great need. From stepping into domestic abuse circumstances, very serious health emergencies, and even moments with law enforcement. I got to see and develop amazing relationships, and expend energy in ways I would never have imagined. Looking back now I'm very grateful for those difficult yet rewarding moments of truth.

Moments of teaching and leading others didn't come without the need to be taught and lead myself. My friend and I worked tireless hours, sometimes on machine repairs, employee concerns, and developing a system of business which could enhance the production and efficiency of the company. Together, I do believe, we grew and developed each other closer to greatness. Justin taught me many things concerning leadership, mechanics, problem solving, and personal relationships. His spiritual insights and experience as a father and husband have rendered an invaluable resource of knowledge and support, especially in recent years.

He, along with his father and uncle, provided countless opportunities to learn, grow, and achieve. I am deeply indebted to them for their patience and persistence in developing my capacity. I still lack many necessary qualities to succeed in all areas I wish to, but I'm much closer to my best self because of those great leaders who entrusted me with their business for a time.

Now, after a few difficult and stressful months towards the end of 2008, I'm back in the area of my youth. 2009 has landed me in Rexburg, Idaho. Not at all where I expected, not doing what I expected, and certainly not experiencing the things I expected at this stage in life either. I'm learning, unmistakably, that in many instances there are literally countless options for which the outcomes of my choices can lead to positive opportunities.

Once again I am working with a good friend whose optimism and trust has and will most certainly offer many opportunities for growth and increased capacity. Ryan Pickett has been a good friend since high school. We played soccer together in school and I was lucky enough to be his roommate our first year at Ricks College. He's a good guy with a big heart and very high ambitions. His goals and capacity for accomplishing those goals are encouraging me to reach higher myself and motivating us both to succeed.

He has entrusted me with the responsibility of being a large part of the expansion of his business. Once again I find myself in similar situations as a growing leader in a growing business. Many of the lessons and experiences of Montana have and will be called upon to better my capacity here now. I'm excited for the new challenge of running a restaurant, creating and developing systems and procedures which now have the need to be duplicated without the slightest degree of variation.

The opportunity and challenge is once again great, and my sights are set on big things and a prosperous and victorious future....TO BE CONTINUED