As I returned from the holiday break, I decided to actually take some time to think about all the things that I am truly thankful for. When I first started listing things, I realized that most of what I was thinking about were things that I was happy that I have. So I had to pretty much start over and really think about the things that I really and truly couldn't do without. My answer was so simple that it almost made me feel bad that it didn't hit me right away. The thing that I am the most thankful for is my office and the people working here.
When you read this, please don't think that I'm just trying to be that boss that pretentiously praises his people to look good. Anybody who actually knows me will tell you that I, of all people, am not that guy. I want to share a story that makes me humble and proud, at the same time. I feel like this is a true reflection of the quality of the team that we here at Lucky 13 have.
Every month, we at Lucky 13 take on a philanthropy to help out the local community. Clothing drives, blood drives, volunteering in various ways to a host of different local causes. Right before the holiday break, we all went over to a place that we have worked with in the past to spend a few hours making food for those less fortunate. Last year, we went over and made a lot of desserts for people, and our plan was to do the same thing this year. We contacted the home and set the day and time to return this year for our thanksgiving baking extravaganza.
Once we got there and invaded the kitchen to begin making every possible dessert that you could think of, the director of the home came out to meet us. She looked at us with a look of almost sheer panic. She informed us that the person that we had spoken with was an intern and had accidentally promoted this as a Thanksgiving meal. She had posted flyers all over the house to draw as much of a crowd for it as possible. There were, in fact, people beginning to come down to see what all we had brought / made for them. We informed the director that all we had brought to make were deserts. I offered to order in some real food or to go hit the store, to get something to make for the 25 plus people that we were now expected to feed. I was told that there was no time. That is when I was lucky enough to witness something truly spectacular.
With half of us elbow deep in brownie mix and cookie dough, something hit the kitchen that no one could have expected. Half of our guys immediately raided the pantry and fridge and figured out that there was enough stuff there to whip up a spaghetti dinner. So, with half the room still churning out desert after desert, the other half sprung into action and began tackling the actual food part of dinner. Noodles began to boil, various meats began to be thawed and cooked, and sauce began to be made (basically from scratch as cans of tomato paste were all we had to work with). Orders were barked, things were dropped, people got bumped into, but more and more began to get done. We were cleaning as fast as we were cooking, as we had limited pots and pans at our disposal. When it was all said and done, we produced a full spaghetti meal complete with meat sauce and garlic bread, for over 25 people. The people came in and began to take part in the feast as our guys were still cranking out deserts, as fast as the ones in the oven finished baking. Several people came back for seconds to validate the quality of our efforts. It took us a few extra hours, but in the end we finished off the last of the brownies and set them out to cool. The kitchen was cleaned up better than we found it, the people there were full and thankful, and we were all exhausted.
What I was so proud of was the team work that it took to pull off this amazing feat. First of all, no one complained. No one said, "Hey, that's not our problem", and no one bailed early. Every single person there blew off the plans that they had already made for later that night and committed to making this happen. It wasn't easy and it wasn't pretty, at times. But in the end we got the job done, and that's what matters. To see a group of young adults step up in mass and put the needs of others before their own was a sight to see. Even more impressive was the amount of genuine fun that we all had in the process. As the last of us were leaving, the director met us at the door, hugged us, and thanked us for saving the day. One of our guys looked at her and simply said. "Hey, that is what we do."
I could not be more proud, and thankful, to be a part of this company and to be part of what we stand for. I'm not only thankful that I get to come to work every day, with people that I truly consider to be some of my best friends, but that they are the kind of people that I can be proud to be around for who they are as individuals.
BOSS
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Friday, September 14, 2012
Lessons Sports Can Teach us
Last night as I was watching the Packers / Bears game I was reminded of a very valuable lesson. I would like to take some time to share that lesson with you and how it came to be that I was reminded of it.
Every Thursday evening the members of Lucky 13 Consulting, inc. go out to do something fun. We call this weekly ritual Team Night as it is designed to help all of us to come together as a team. As a company we live by the motto "Work Hard--Play Hard". This Thursday was no different from any other. After work we hurried over to a local establishment to grab something to eat and drink and of course to watch the Packers/Bears game. After a few rounds of trivia to pass the time the game was finally about to begin.
Before I go into the details of last nights game I feel it's important to back track and mention that the Packers had lost their opening game to the 49'rs. Packer fans everywhere seemed to be disgusted by the loss and I had heard several "Die Hard Packer Fans" start the doomsday talk of how bad the team was going to be and what was wrong with the defense.... etc etc etc. You could feel the nervous tension at the restaurant before the game started as many of the Packer faithful were questioning whether or not the Pack could win (especially when 30 minutes before kickoff it was announced that one of the Packers top wide receiver would have to sit out due to injury).
The game started off as a defensive struggle for both sides. Neither team seemed like it was going to take control of the game until the Packers faked a field goal and scored a touchdown just before halftime. The second half of the game saw the Packers open up the lead and hold on for a very convincing win. Packer fans rejoiced and cheered and it seemed as if all was right with the world.
The lesson that I was reminded of last night watching the game was quite simply this. All you need is an OPPORTUNITY. Whether it's sports, business, or just life in general all you need is that one shot to do something great. Last night I saw a 0-1 team beat a 1-0 team convincingly. I'd love to say that the packers are just that much better but in reality that's not the case. Both teams are full of all pro players that will have great years and careers. But what I saw last night was the Packers take control of that game and play like it was their one and only game of the year.
(what I'm about to say is in no way directed at the bears or their players, it is just an example)
That's the difference between Winners and Losers. When given an opportunity WINNERS take hold of it and don't let go until they have achieved what ever level of greatness they desire. They Cherish their opportunity to shine and place that moment above all else until that moment is gone. LOSERS see an opportunity as just another moment. They are content to watch it roll on by, or hope that someone else will step in to determine the outcome.
In business (and life) we all have opportunities to shine. Some will, some won't, & some don't care either way. So when that next opportunity comes your way don't let it pass you by. Grab a hold of it for everything you're worth and make sure you give it your all. Because in the end you never know what will be the moment you look back on as the moment that defined you as an athlete, an entrepreneur, or a person !
Every Thursday evening the members of Lucky 13 Consulting, inc. go out to do something fun. We call this weekly ritual Team Night as it is designed to help all of us to come together as a team. As a company we live by the motto "Work Hard--Play Hard". This Thursday was no different from any other. After work we hurried over to a local establishment to grab something to eat and drink and of course to watch the Packers/Bears game. After a few rounds of trivia to pass the time the game was finally about to begin.
Before I go into the details of last nights game I feel it's important to back track and mention that the Packers had lost their opening game to the 49'rs. Packer fans everywhere seemed to be disgusted by the loss and I had heard several "Die Hard Packer Fans" start the doomsday talk of how bad the team was going to be and what was wrong with the defense.... etc etc etc. You could feel the nervous tension at the restaurant before the game started as many of the Packer faithful were questioning whether or not the Pack could win (especially when 30 minutes before kickoff it was announced that one of the Packers top wide receiver would have to sit out due to injury).
The game started off as a defensive struggle for both sides. Neither team seemed like it was going to take control of the game until the Packers faked a field goal and scored a touchdown just before halftime. The second half of the game saw the Packers open up the lead and hold on for a very convincing win. Packer fans rejoiced and cheered and it seemed as if all was right with the world.
The lesson that I was reminded of last night watching the game was quite simply this. All you need is an OPPORTUNITY. Whether it's sports, business, or just life in general all you need is that one shot to do something great. Last night I saw a 0-1 team beat a 1-0 team convincingly. I'd love to say that the packers are just that much better but in reality that's not the case. Both teams are full of all pro players that will have great years and careers. But what I saw last night was the Packers take control of that game and play like it was their one and only game of the year.
(what I'm about to say is in no way directed at the bears or their players, it is just an example)
That's the difference between Winners and Losers. When given an opportunity WINNERS take hold of it and don't let go until they have achieved what ever level of greatness they desire. They Cherish their opportunity to shine and place that moment above all else until that moment is gone. LOSERS see an opportunity as just another moment. They are content to watch it roll on by, or hope that someone else will step in to determine the outcome.
In business (and life) we all have opportunities to shine. Some will, some won't, & some don't care either way. So when that next opportunity comes your way don't let it pass you by. Grab a hold of it for everything you're worth and make sure you give it your all. Because in the end you never know what will be the moment you look back on as the moment that defined you as an athlete, an entrepreneur, or a person !
Friday, August 3, 2012
From the Boss:
This week saw the one year anniversary of Lucky 13 Consulting. I wanted to take some time to personally say thank you to all of those who helped make our first year in business a successful one. We were able to achieve several of our goals and we look forward to setting new ones and accomplishing them throughout the next 12 months.
First off a BIG thank you to our client Quill for providing us with lots of support from their end. And for the opportunity to be one of the few offices allowed to pilot a campaign for their sister company Medical Arts Press.
A HUGE thanks to our top notch administrative staff. We certainly wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the hard work that you have put in every single day to help our company grow and run smoothly. And for having to put up with me in the office every day.
To all the reps working tirelessly in the field every day. You guys are the life blood of the company and it's true heart and soul. I am so proud of every single one of you for achieving all that you have over the last 12 months. Watching all of you grow and develop has inspired me to become a better leader to make sure that Lucky 13 keeps providing you with the same opportunity that I have been blessed with. Being constantly surrounded by sharp motivated people has helped me to grow a lot personally over the course of this year. And I know that it's because of all of you that I am able to look back on this last year with pride and thankfulness. I know from years of experience that what we do isn't the easiest thing in the world. But as much of you already know "the juice is worth the squeeze!"
So here's to a great first year and to an even better follow up.
John
This week saw the one year anniversary of Lucky 13 Consulting. I wanted to take some time to personally say thank you to all of those who helped make our first year in business a successful one. We were able to achieve several of our goals and we look forward to setting new ones and accomplishing them throughout the next 12 months.
First off a BIG thank you to our client Quill for providing us with lots of support from their end. And for the opportunity to be one of the few offices allowed to pilot a campaign for their sister company Medical Arts Press.
A HUGE thanks to our top notch administrative staff. We certainly wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the hard work that you have put in every single day to help our company grow and run smoothly. And for having to put up with me in the office every day.
To all the reps working tirelessly in the field every day. You guys are the life blood of the company and it's true heart and soul. I am so proud of every single one of you for achieving all that you have over the last 12 months. Watching all of you grow and develop has inspired me to become a better leader to make sure that Lucky 13 keeps providing you with the same opportunity that I have been blessed with. Being constantly surrounded by sharp motivated people has helped me to grow a lot personally over the course of this year. And I know that it's because of all of you that I am able to look back on this last year with pride and thankfulness. I know from years of experience that what we do isn't the easiest thing in the world. But as much of you already know "the juice is worth the squeeze!"
So here's to a great first year and to an even better follow up.
John
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Top Leader
Congratulations Thomas Young! Your hard work is paying off. Keep it up!
Top Leader « Lucky 13 Consulting
Top Leader « Lucky 13 Consulting
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
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