Connecting with Kevin Ed. 2

Welcome to the second edition of Connecting with Kevin! In just the past two weeks, our newsletter has gained a whopping 1,409 new subscribers. That's incredibly exciting and it amplifies the fun of creating content like this! Writing has always been a passion of mine, and this platform is the perfect exercise for that creative muscle.

This edition will include a couple of stories about recent happenings in my life, and the joy it brings me.

Enjoy!

The Hicks Family Firewood Festival

Every autumn, for the past 5-6 years, our family has dedicated a weekend to the annual ritual of yard cleanup, winterizing equipment, and if the opportunity presents itself, stockpiling firewood for the colder months ahead. In 2021, we settled in the aptly named 'Vernon Woods' subdivision, replete with abundant trees. As expected, leaves become a yearly challenge. This time around, I decided to deviate from the usual leaf blower routine and embraced a more... assertive approach. Let's just say, I may have used a bit more gas than usual, but I fearlessly maneuvered the lawn mower through every last one of those falling foliage pieces. No mercy. It's safe to say our yard is now a mulch haven!.

We had two trees fall these past 10 months, which gave me another opportunity to use the world's scariest horror movie weapon, the emphasis of Limp Bizkit's hit song "Break Something", and the one item on earth I have no business even holding. The MF'in Chainsaw.

There is something inherently exhilarating about the chainsaw. I suppose it could be the fact that you can cut through your own leg like Jaws, but it does such impressive tasks. The power in which it can cut through dense logs is really a sight to behold.

I was really happy that my son, Carson, came back for a day to help with the clean-up, even though he doesn't live here. It could have been the fact that we enticed him with birthday cake for his 22nd birthday. He's a good kid, and his girlfriend is a joy to be around. They were a huge help with the "grunt work". I enjoy using the chainsaw, but this 47-year-old body isn't super keen on lifting multiple logs. Not if I don't have to do it. I'd rather save my back muscles for golf.

I'm thankful that Cynthia Hicks enjoys the work as well. Sometimes the bonding required in a marriage comes in the form of combined effort to make our surrounding investment more beautiful. I always know that our energy spent to split wood will provide the required timber to enjoy a quiet night by the fire in January. Our efforts will also add to a cozy atmosphere on Christmas morning. It has a purpose, and I'm driven by purpose.

As I survey the fruits of our labor, I'm reminded of the profound satisfaction that comes from a job well done. There's something immensely gratifying about witnessing the tangible outcome of dedicated effort, whether it's gazing at a freshly mowed lawn, savoring a meal crafted with care, or appreciating the result of quality time spent with someone. Perhaps few things rival the joy of seeing a child excel on a test you assisted them in studying for – it's a special kind of gratification.

And sometimes I enjoy the fruits of our labor with a fire while savoring the "high life".

The Joy of Successful Matchmaking

I didn't mean for these two stories to meld together, but they will, and I'll just run with it. Outside of lumberjacking, you may have heard I'm the Founder of niche staffing firm, SME&U . For 18 years, my specialty has been working with organizations who need assistance with finding finance and accounting talent. While the first part of my career was focused in the consulting space, the past few years I've been able to hone my skills with permanent roles. It has been a gratifying challenge to offer both options to my clients.

That skill was on display this past week when I was able to visit some of my clients and see the results of my efforts the past year. On Thursday, I had scheduled to stop by my client's new office, even though my original contact was out of town. I dropped off some sweet treats to say "thank you", and was greeted at the door by the Corporate Controller, Finance Manager, and Senior Accountant, ALL of which are SME&U alumni partnered with this client.

As I stood with the three of them, I was unexpectedly overcome by a surge of emotion, a quick rush of dopamine that this moment brought forth. This company is truly special, and it's clear they're on a trajectory of growth. Witnessing those smiling faces, knowing I played a small role in their journey, compelled me to take a deep breath, rekindling my sense of purpose and reminding me of the 'why' once more.

That evening, I had the chance to share a few drinks with a CFO friend/client and her FP&A Director, who had joined the company just five months prior. Interestingly, this new FP&A Director, also a SME&U alumni, was referred by another esteemed contact in Chicago—a true testament to the highest form of compliment in our demanding industry. Not only did the referral turn out to be an impeccable fit for the role, but my referral source also had a prior connection with my client. It's moments like these that serve as a powerful reminder of our interconnectedness. Identifying those threads of commonality has been a driving force in my social, professional, and spiritual life for years. These are the moments I cherish.

The table we shared was a U-shaped booth with me at the center. Expecting to watch the employer/employee dynamic at-play, it quickly became a clear interaction of two people who truly enjoy being on the same team. It felt like I was at center-court of Wimbledon, but instead of tennis balls, it was stories, jokes, and anecdotes about their time working together so far. A job well done.

It served as a crucial reminder that this profession encompasses far more than just resumes, job descriptions, and interviews. It's about forging genuine human connections, about intuitively grasping the essence of an individual, and recognizing that same essence in another. Resumes can't capture a person's unique vibe. Job descriptions fall short in depicting the kind of person who can alleviate another's worries and stresses.

I closed my eyes at the end of that long day, feeling good about the work I had done in the world. There is more to be done. Not just for the cause of month end close, cash flow statements, and financial modeling, but to connect humans for the cause of life betterment. Which reminds me of a connection I need to make based on a conversation from Thursday.

Still work to be done...

Until next time, spend some time thinking about how you can affect someone's day with a simple gesture. A smile, a compliment, a favor. If you're open to it, comment about the resulting effect on that person's day.

You may not be able to change the world, but you can change one person's day. Start there.

-Kevin