THE TIME I GOT HIT IN THE HEAD

“Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don’t lose faith.” – Steve Jobs

Today marks my 2-year anniversary with Cable Development Consulting. Being the Technical Sales Manager for an OSP design house was never on my radar. While I never saw myself as “technically challenged”, I did not see myself as a “computer nerd” either. I was a pastor. I had been a pastor for the previous 34 years. I had pastored churches as small as 35 in attendance to over 1,000. My skill set was much more in the soft skills and teaching. I’m not just a people person – I am a people lover!  

My “brick in the head” moment came when the church’s leadership decided to go in a different direction, a different direction that did not include me. Yep, that one stung! I initially looked at a few other ministry opportunities and decided that a break might be the best thing for me. So, I got my CCNA and started working for Cincinnati Bell Technical Services as VOIP support for their business customers. But at the same time, Billy Grubbs was reaching out and asking me to consider working for him. When my house did not sell, and the months of fighting Cincinnati traffic began taking its toll on me and my truck, I decided to give Billy a call.  He proposed that I come to work for him as their sales manager. 

So, for the first full year I was learning a whole lot about cable and fiber. I learned new meanings for terms like: LE, AMP, HFC, FTTx, Ped, Drop, Tap, Strand, and found a whole new appreciation for Google Earth. I also learned about programs like AutoCAD, Lode Data, Microstation and Bentley Comms. I developed a great appreciation for good walk-outs and up-to-date asbuilt maps.   I also fell in love with my co-workers. A great bunch of folks that are very good at what they do. Most with years more training and natural bent toward the tech side of life than I will ever have. 

As I begin year three I have been ramping up the sales efforts. I found it to be very much like the ministry in that it’s about building relationships. I have had the privilege of communicating with people I would have never met in my small world before.  I have even had the blessing of praying with and for some folks I have never met face to face. I may not be pastoring a church per se, but I’m still a pastor.

My “hit in the head” has been a good thing. But it’s only been a good thing, because I never did “lose faith”. God never turned His back on me, nor did a whole bunch of good people. While there is a part of me that chooses not to replay painful memories, I also know that where I am at this moment is exactly where I’m supposed to be. I may be promoting this tremendous company ten years from now, or I may be pastoring another church six months from now. I honestly don’t know. But what I do know is this. Sometimes you do get “hit in the head”. Sometimes it’s your own fault, sometimes the choice of others. But either way, it’s your choice as to what happens next. I am grateful for those who helped me when I was still reeling from the hurt. And if I can ever help you in some way as you face your own “hit in the head”, just let me know. 

Dean