Pardon the indulgence, but this post is about me. I've come to that moment where I'm fully cooked. Stick a fork in me. I'm done! Selling printing supplies and equipment just doesn't instill the "thrill of victory" in me anymore. The last decade in the printing supply industry overall has been more like the "agony of defeat".
Just like all industries that come and go over time, the process of putting the printed word on a piece of paper is becoming dangerous to your wealth. I do not need to tell you what technological wonders have occurred in the past twenty years. But all those innovations have diminished a wonderful business that was started by my father around the time of my earthly arrival, right smack dab in the middle of the twentieth century on July 1, 1950. That business, Modern Photo Offset Supply, has provided a wonderful lifestyle for our entire family over the last six decades. And, the company will continue to operate under my two older brothers as long as someone continues to read newspapers, clip coupons, mail Christmas cards, or ask for a brochure at Government Motors rather than checking out the website. So it's with lots of memories, lots of gratitude and lots of anticipation for what lies ahead, that my last day will be September 30th.
So what's next? Well, I want to do something else other than chase the buck to feel...fulfilled? Wanted? Needed? Necessary? Called? I have been thinking about it for awhile and two things I have always tried to do in spite of the occasional faux pas are be a good husband and father. Well, I'm out of kids and I'm already hitched to my one and only who says she's keeping me around long term despite my occasional mess-ups. So, maybe I can help some kid who doesn't have a father figure in his or her life. The new buzz word is "mentor", but that sounds like I would have all of the answers. I don't.
Nevertheless, I think I can help. Currently, only 22% of the males in IPS graduate in four years. That's disgraceful and probably a good place to start my new journey.
4 comments:
They would be lucky to have you as a mentor, mistakes and all! Wishing you the best on your "advancement". I don't care for that word retirement. You've earned it. Enjoy the next phase...if it's half as successful you will be just fine.
Wow...thanks for the heads up about you leaving Modern Photo! You will truly be missed, but before you walk out that door one last time....make sure my account is going to someone who will care for it like you have done these past 14 years. In my mind you aren't just one of the owners, you were my sales rep., someone who kept an eye on the trends and my buying power. You have always steered me in the right direction finding products for the shop and helping me save a few tax payer dollars to boot. Many hugs and prayers for this new chapter of your life.
As you transition, may the Lord bless you and keep you, may His face shine upon you, and may you know that through every change, He faithful remains.
You are a good friend and neighbor, too, Ted!
Life here will not be the same without you. You will be a great mentor as you have mentored me throughout the years and I am most grateful. You are not only "the boss" you are a good friend- thank you. I hope your new journey will be spectacular.
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