My thanks to the person who believed in me!

December 17th 1984 is an important day to me for a special reason.

Someone believed in me when I needed it most. His name was Randy Schweitzer. Randy had the courage and wisdom to hire someone who was green, not even in his industry, but eager to learn. He took a chance on me and it changed my life.   

Randy saw talent within me and he invested his time and wisdom into my development.  Randy pushed me beyond limits I knew possible. He spent time with me, instructing and guiding me, placing me in the best position for success.  He allowed me to make mistakes so that I could learn from them. He was the best professional coach I ever had. Randy was a hero to me and I made sure to let him know this.

Every year on December 17th I would call Randy and thank him for hiring me so many years ago.  No matter how busy life was or where I was working at the time, I made sure to call him and say how important he was in my life.  We always had the bond of the December 17th  phone call forever connecting the two of us. 

Randy passed away a couple of years ago in a tragic cycling accident.  He was taken from this world far too soon. Randy is gone now from his earthly life and I miss talking to him on this December 17th. 

Do you have a hiring manager in your past that took a chance on you, giving you that “leg up” and mentoring you to be a successful professional?  Have you ever thanked them for empowering you and investing the valuable time in order to develop you? 

Thank you Randy Schweitzer for having the courage and wisdom to hire me, someone you really took a chance on all those years ago. I try my best to live up to the example you set! Godspeed my friend…cycle on!!