Sun Drop and Cigarettes

As I was starting out in the mortgage business, I had the pleasure of spending time with Churchill's friend and CPA, David Talley. David was a man that epitomized our Core Conviction of Leaving People Better for the Encounter. 

I remember the very first day I stepped into his office off of Old Hickory Blvd in Nashville. The first thing I remember is how long it took me just to find that old condominium building converted into office space (We didn't have Waze back then, and I am seriously challenged with directions). I opened the door, walked in and was immediately struck by the overwhelming smell of cigarette smoke but then greeted by a man whose smile, light demeanor and apparent excitement to meet me feel like I was the most important person in Nashville that day. I could no longer smell smoke; I just saw joy. I sat down in Mr. Talley's office and witnessed stacks and stacks of files, boxes, books, pictures of his family, VHS tapes, cans of Sun Drop, and ashtrays. I thought to myself; this is a man who is seriously busy! What I expected to be a 30-minute initial meeting quickly turned into a 3-hour conversation about baseball, family, audits, his time at the IRS, his beautiful wife and children and getting to know his team of Bonnie and Sandra, who are still dear friends and partners to this day. I walked away with a book called "The Wisdom of Old Time Baseball" by Criswell Freeman (which I still have) and the thought that I just made a new friend who I couldn't wait to spend more time with. I left feeling better about life than when I came in. 

David was a man who didn't seem concerned with impressing people with his knowledge, status, or fulfilling a certain role. He simply engaged, showed he cared, made you feel great about yourself, and transferred endless wisdom to me without me even realizing it was happening. He left me better off for each Encounter. 

Over the many years we worked together, I would cherish the time I'd get to sit in his office and hear stories and lessons. Admittedly, I'd look for excuses to drive to his office and just talk for a few hours. He'd tell stories of taping each and every one of his boys' baseball games and give me tips on coaching (he LOVED baseball), he's talking about the Hardwick kids coming into his garage to swipe Yoo-Hoo's out of his fridge, he'd share the joy of preparing financials and tax returns in a way that was so bulletproof he'd dare an auditor to challenge him, he'd smoke cigarettes, drink Sun Drop and mentor me in countless ways. He knew exactly how to use his platform to show the love of God, encourage, and teach. 

In Ephesians it says: "Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle".

Mr. Talley did just that and left so many people better for the Encounter. 

I miss David Talley. I miss the lessons he'd give, the sparkle in his eye whenever he would talk about his beautiful wife or Jennifer, Jeffery, and Davy. I even miss the smell of smoke on the envelopes and files that would accompany our tax returns. 

Focus today on investing in others. Don't miss the chance to have an impact on those you encounter. You'd be surprised how long-lasting and important that can be. Be humble and gentle and lead a life worthy of your calling.