The Businessman Dream

When I was a kid, I had dreams of being a businessman - this was of course after the dreams of a professional sports career. I distinctly remember a dream about coming out of an office and seeing my name on the plate outside the door.? Heady stuff for a young boy from a small town in Tennessee back in the early 1970s.

I also remember seeing my father go to work (he was a Civil Engineer) and was inspired by his dedication and the stories he brought home about what he did and the impact it had on others.?He had a knack for turning challenges into opportunities, and I admired how he always sought to support others, whether through his work, our church, or in our community.

As I grew a bit older, I started to realize that my aspirations were not just about ambition or making money; they were about making a meaningful impact.

This realization became the cornerstone of my decision to pursue a career in the insurance industry.

While many people enter the insurance field by chance, I chose this path with intention because I understood how crucial it is to help individuals and families protect what matters most to them. While I am sure my father aspired for me to become an engineer and go to work with him, he could not have been more supportive of me finding my place where I could contribute to the well-being of others and help them with security and peace of mind in an uncertain world.

Reflecting on those early dreams, I realize that the desire to create, connect, and contribute remains at the core of my professional journey.

Childhood aspirations can provide valuable insights into our motivations and goals. Wanting to be a businessman was about more than making money; it was about solving problems, providing value, and making a difference. As a result of my fortune to live my dream, I have not worked a day in my life (well, maybe a few).?

As we navigate our careers, it’s easy to lose sight of what initially drew us in.

What I’ve learned—and what I want to share with you—is the importance of connecting our childhood dreams to our current realities. Often, we find ourselves in jobs that may not align with our original passions. However, those early aspirations can serve as a compass. They remind us of our motivations, helping us infuse our current roles with purpose and creativity.

If you’re in a career that feels far removed from what you once dreamed, don’t dismiss those childhood ambitions. Instead, use them as fuel to innovate and enrich your current path. Ask yourself: How can I bring that youthful enthusiasm and vision into my work today? Embrace that spark and let it guide you, whether you're working a deal or simply striving to make a positive impact.

Remember, it’s never too late to revisit those dreams.

After all, the best businesses are built by those who still believe in their childhood visions. Keep dreaming, keep striving, and let’s continue to shape our futures together!