Hanging Up My Cleats

Today I hang up my cleats after playing the last inning in my last game. And with that I have to say “see you later” to so many extraordinary people that over the past 42 years - I've been privileged to know, work for, work with, and learn from.

I’ve often considered a career in the building materials industry as part of helping build and sustain the American Dream of homeownership.?What this industry does is to help make home’s more beautiful, more energy-efficient, higher-performing, and better in every way…and that’s a pretty noble goal.?It always made “suiting up and showing up” a bit more exciting and engaging.

There are hundreds of you that have had a positive influence and impact on my life—and there is not space to make mention of you all.

There are two, however, that I will share here.

At Andersen Windows, my colleagues and I drew the lucky card when in the West—we worked for Ken Hoevet.?We each became better working for Ken and he fought hard for us and we returned the efforts in kind.?He make us feel special, as unique contributors with our own skills that helped the team play better.?And he got the best out of us.

Many years later at BMC,?Keith Costello?gave me a huge reputation to live up to.?And I worked my but off to meet his expectations. He gave me room, credit, and nudged me ever so gently to get the very best results.

Both of these leaders had soft touches but the fiercest of intentions.?Make no mistake—they were in charge of the plan and the plays—but truly coached and collaborated as opposed to command and control—and I’d say their results spoke volumes for their styles.

I hope each of you has or will have the opportunity to work for a Ken or Keith one day.

I’ve enjoyed watching you and sharing with you here and most of all—wish you peace, health, and prosperity.

#building?#team?#work?#opportunity?#leaders?#people?#americandream?#greatful