November 25, 2015
For some, stopping to take time on Thanksgiving Day to reflect on the multitude of blessings that we’ve received is as much a part of the Holiday as the Turkey itself. But in business, a place where talking turkey is a part my daily ritual, the only thanks on my mind as I raced through Wednesday was the 4 day weekend proceeding it. However, it’s an oversight if we forget to revisit the blessing of work. I, for one, am very thankful for a multitude of things, both in my personal life and in the professional. So I thought that I might take a minute to reflect on a couple of things that have made work challenging, fun, and fulfilling in 2015. I’m thankful that I work for a fast growing and successful small business in the smart home industry. While the frustrations associated with the myriad of small business wrinkles often fill the days; tackling the problems, creating solutions and experiencing each little victory is invigorating and energizing; giving real purpose to the daily grind. I’m wonderfully blessed by the people that I work with: my employers; smart, hard-working guys who take huge risk, work long hours and make sure the payroll is on time. My co-workers, amazing people who take the business mission seriously, who constantly work to improve themselves and don’t just pay lip service to teamwork, but live it as well. Our vendor partners, the guys who keep up with the industry trends and new products – continuously looking for ways to help us profit and grow, often going the extra mile to get an order expedited or to keep us up to date on lead times. Our professional advisors; our lawyer, our CPA, our banker, and our real estate broker are all consummate professionals; ready with sage advice and guidance, keeping the big picture clear for us as we walk into territory where we’ve never been, but a place where they live and thrive. And finally our customers; these are all amazing people, not only do they give us orders and pay their bills on time, but they become friends and advisors themselves, helping keep us focused on the customer, lest we stumble; and referring a steady stream of new business our way. The products that we sell, particularly the entertainment components: digital projectors, 4k HD theatre screens, tube amps, and high-end audio speakers, are absolutely magnificent once installed and enjoyed in our client’s homes… I am thankful to work in such a dynamic industry. I am in awe of the economy here in southwest Florida; our customers continue to prosper and the business keeps coming. While we do not know what business 2016 holds, we are most certainly thankful for the last year, and feeling very positive about the future. I could’ve exploded the list, gone into many little details, hundreds really, some pretty neat stories and business anecdotes: for I am thankful for those as well, but I think this short thought is sufficient. So how about you; are you in a business or work that you’re thankful for? Have a great and happy Thanksgiving!
Written by Benjamin MacGowen, General Manager