Comment: Lessons Learned

It has been, as they say, a helluva year.

On a business note, I’m pretty proud of the year that Jobber News Magazine has put behind us. Despite the considerable challenges that the market presents to the aftermarket, with the assistance of the individuals at companies in all segments of the aftermarket, I believe that the content of the many articles we have published over the past 12 issues has been as good as it has ever been.

The response from the readers, whom I include in my list of significant contributors and who help keep the content on track and based in reality, would certainly indicate this.

Earlier this year, one jobber in particular paid me a deep compliment, saying that I had raised the level of discussion, in the magazine and the industry.

I accepted the compliment only under the understanding that jobbers such as him, as well as the many other knowledgeable people in the aftermarket, deserve most of the credit; I learn from them.

I know that such compliments are not offered lightly; I also know enough not to let it go to my head.

Still, from a professional perspective, it is a satisfying thing to hear. My mother always taught me to be gracious in accepting a compliment, which is, I hope, a lesson I have learned.

Which brings me to a personal note. My mother, who was very much the moral centre of our family, passed away in November unexpectedly, though she was not a young woman. It is amazing to me how, even when we are grown and independent, the death of a parent is so shaking.

It serves as a reminder of our mortality, of course, and of the ties that bind one generation to the next. Many of you struggle with the transfer of your business enterprise, your life’s work, to the next generation. Some of you will see your children take over, but if they don’t, rest assured that you will likely leave behind a legacy of your values, how you raised them, and how you ran your business and your life.

My mother was proud of her kids. She told me this often. That is a good lesson.

As we draw our families around us in this holiday season, it provides ample opportunity to be frank about our hopes and dreams for our families and to be supportive of whichever path they choose in life and in business.

The lessons children learn now will persist, even if it might not always seem like they are listening.

I know that there are many examples of this in our own industry, the second and third generations working in the aftermarket, reading Jobber News, attending conferences, and raising their own families.

That is why we do this, isn’t it? There are ample opportunities for financial gain in industry, but it has to be about more than just money.

It is about friendship and family and making a positive contribution to the world, through your thoughts and your actions.

And that too, is a lesson.