Success Is in the Hard Work

Posted 1/12/2012
By Ron Nagy, AAM, Chairman

I would like to dedicate this month’s article to all the hard-working business owners and leaders who have built their business from the ground up and have earned everything they have.

To give you some background, the following “letter to the editor” was written in answer to someone who attacked a business owner because he was successful. The attacker had written an editorial (anonymously) for the local paper, saying how greedy and egotistical the business owner was.

To the contrary, I bet you agree that those running small businesses – and even those in management and leadership of large businesses – continually give 110 percent to better their business, profession and this society, only to wear a big “bull’s-eye” on their back.

So, to start off 2012, I commend you and thank you for showing the American dream is not only possible, but is happening every day.

Here’s the letter to the editor:

“The individual who wrote the editorial must not believe in this country, the land of opportunity. Let me explain how it works. First, you must come from a blue collar, below middle class working family with high values. They have taught you to give 110 percent in everything you do. You do not sit around procrastinating and complaining about your fellow man and your situation.

You must get up at 5:30 a.m. sharp and work a minimum of 14-hour days, six days a week. You must have the desire to succeed and when you fail, you must be able to pick yourself up by the back of your shorts and go at it again; that is called desire. You never use the words ‘cannot,’ ‘will not’ or ‘I quit.’ Never have anyone do something that you would not do yourself. Have the most compassion and respect for anyone who has the high goals and the willingness to help anyone who is willing to help themselves.

Never be afraid to stand up for what you believe in as long as you have all the facts. Never forget who you are and where you came from. Never be afraid to admit when you have made a mistake. Last and probably most important, you must put God first. You cannot take material things with you when you leave this earth.

So if you follow these guidelines and become a successful leader, congratulations, you deserve it. You have worked hard to achieve your goals and the American dream! You can donate money, time and energy to make this profession and even country a better place.

Those who constantly attack hard-working leaders will probably never go away. But wouldn’t it be great to see their time spent more effectively? Perhaps spend that energy donating to the community, church or schools. You never know – the person or child you help today could be tomorrow’s leader!"

I want to give credit to Keith Luck, a local businessman who started with nothing but built three successful businesses, for writing the letter to the editor years ago. It taught me how fortunate I am to have the work ethic and attitude that my father handed down to me.