The First Business/Life Lesson I Remember Learning From My Grandfather

As a child, I had a “drink out of the hose, be home when the streetlights come on” kind of childhood, and some of my best memories happened as a result of time spent at my grand parents home. They had a huge influence on my life. In fact, some of my business success can be traced back to lessons learned while in their care. The first one I remember turned out to be extremely valuable. We now refer to it simply as... 

  “Picking up nails.”

It was the middle of summer, and while visiting my grandparents, I had hopes of building a tree house. It just so happened, there was a perfect tree in their backyard. However, we were poor (by any definition), and had no money to buy materials. Fortunately…

  “What my family lacked in resources, they always made up for in resourcefulness.” 

So, my grand father took me over to a nearby construction site, and as we pulled to a stop said, “Go up to the supervisor’s trailer and ask if you can pick up all the nails laying around. Let him know that you’d like to keep the bent or wasted nails, and return all the straight or reusable ones, we’ll see what he says.”

Oddly enough, that supervisor gave me the go ahead and while he and my grandfather stood talking, I quickly filled one bucket of good and another of bent nails. As I approached the two men, the supervisor smiled, “Great work, you not only saved us money on supplies, but may have also prevented someone from getting a flat tire, or even worse---getting hurt?”

My grandfather gave an approving nod and the supervisor continued, “So, I guess you’re going to need some wood to put those nails into, after you straighten them all out?” I remember thinking that he and my grandfather must have been in cahoots as I answered, “Yes, sir.” He pointed around the jobsite, “Well then, why don’t you come back in a couple days and do the same thing with all the wood scraps…and we’ll make sure you get what you need.”

Needless to say, I ended up with a pretty cool tree house, and more importantly, learned an amazing lesson…

  “When confronted with a challenge, become resourceful and find ways to bring value to others.”

Without a doubt, it's worked time and again in my life, and I hope from now on, you’ll start "Picking up nails” as a way to craft #aSensationalLife for yourself.

Duane Cummings lives life with a single purpose, “To Aid Others, Act on Ideas, and Achieve Sensational Results.” He is a trusted advisor to organizations and individuals around the world regarding professional and personal development. Duane is an author, entrepreneur, coach, and consultant who speaks regularly on a range of topics that include entrepreneurship, leadership, communication, sales, and finding your purpose.

Duane learned the importance of teamwork and honed his leadership skills early by serving in the U.S. Army, and then by winning championships as a professional soccer player and coach. After retiring from athletics, he successfully transferred to the business world, where he held several sales management positions, before stepping out to build a own start up wholesale clothing company, indoor sports arena, a consulting company, and several other projects.

This last year marked the completion of his most challenging project thus far. As COO and an equity partner, Duane helped guide Erick Flowback Services, LLC (Oil & Gas Service provider) during their preparation and sale. Duane is still partners in, or owner of, several other companies in a variety of industries.

Along with several co-authoring projects and writing the next book in the Sensational Series, Duane now spends a great deal of time mentoring and also serves the needs of several non profit organizations. Duane and his wife, Kim, have two sons, Christopher and Matthew who is now married to Erin.

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