Four Months and counting...

I have been back at it for four months now… jumping off the disability train and jumping into a sales management role with both feet. I will admit that occasionally I have asked myself… “What the hell were you thinking?” but truth be told, less than times than when I realize I am happy to be back at it. Working in the automotive aftermarket publishing world is fun. I get to see cool cars, like the Shelby above- a 2005 convertible with 90 miles on it. I really think that Texas car should be driven--- preferably by a full figured Floridian boy.

Trying to “manage” a sales team is sometimes like herding cats. Best I can hope for is to build upon the strengths of the individual, and inspire (hopefully not bore) through personal observations and past experiences. The new normal- actually is more old school- Let’s ask our clients what they want to accomplish- and present solutions from what we have in our arsenal. My company has magazines, the best content for automotive aftermarket on our numerous web sites, a couple of TV programs, events, radio, and of course licensing opportunities…With publications like Motor Trend, Hot Rod, Mopar Muscle, Truckin, Super Street, and a group more… we really are the big gorilla in the room. Anyway, I am traveling again, still no upgrades from Delta, but AMEX loves me. My team has unique individuals who bring a lot to the table. My main job is to stay out of there way…

The industry seems to have changed a bit- the “new” normal seems to be cautious. I can see weariness in both my colleagues as well as some of our advertisers. I joke that we should do a special publication called “Survivors” for the businesses that made it through the trying times of the last couple of years. The reality is that there are many missing colleagues- as well as some missing businesses and competitive publications.

But I really think the worse is behind us... Time to rebuild ourselves...

Just checking in for those that care… Tomorrow- The beach in the "current" Mustang convertible, then off to Molly's for a lunch of Grouper, Shrimp, and the best Buffalo Wings imaginable.

Life is good.



God Bless,

Road Weary

I checked in with the Ohio State crew- Dr. Byrd, Margaret, and staff. They wanted to check a few other things out- so I had a CT scan and a Bone Marrow Biopsy... The CLL seems to be stalled- which works for me- but is still there. I relate it to having high blood pressure- or diabetes- manageable. There are a lot of new areas of research- and Dr. Byrd would like to have more data before any changes are made- me too. With my pedestrian view- I think if it isn’t broke- don't fix it. The truth is I am past my shelf life- but only God knows when it's time for me to rotate out.

I was in Indianapolis again last week- and spent some time with some old friends, people from ARMO (Automotive Restoration Market Association) and some Magazine colleagues. One of the reasons I had to come back to this automotive aftermarket is that this is such a fun industry. We work hard- but all seem to have a burning passion to get it right.

The transition to the working world- and more and more digital influence has been interesting. Learning about QR Codes, social media, presenting multimedia presentations... challenging- but fun. I love my IPhone. A few weeks ago I did a social experiment with Foursquare- I "checked in" everywhere I went for two weeks... Airports, Hotels, Clients, Restaurants...and the information were duplicated and posted on Face book. After two weeks, I decided it was not that cool- and anyone who needed to know that I was at Harry and Izzies eating shrimp cocktail in Indianapolis- well, I would make sure they knew about personally.

One funny thing was that a friendly competitor told me his boss came out of his office and told him "Randy is at a NAME WITHHELD place of business". Guess surfing the web is an acceptable form of business strategy these days= another good reason not to post all things- keep em wondering.

So in all- things are well. Still horizontal and moving forward. Trip to Dallas next week- then I will spend three or four weeks at home...almost warm enough to get into the pool.

God Bless,

On the Road Again

It has been awhile- thought I would give a brief update.

I am back- soon to be in the good graces of Delta as a frequent flyer. Since January 3rd I have traveled to Manhattan, LA, Ft Lauderdale, and I am currently in Indianapolis (one of my favorite cities...)

As the Eastern Sales Director, I have been doing four legged calls with my team... within Florida... Next Sunday I do a road trip from Baltimore to Philly, over to New Jersey, Ct, a weekend in Vermont, then NH and CT again... Dallas after that.

I feel great- like I have a second chance--- and I am very grateful.

God Bless,

Back in the Saddle Again...

After nearly two years on disability, I return to work tomorrow...

God is good.

Focus

Some of you may notice the removal of my posts concerning my childhood. The intent of this exercise was to lay it out and look at it as objectively as I could. In the past I have felt a great deal of shame and embarrassment associated with the actions of my parents. This is of course ridiculous. As an adult I have endeavored not to have ownership for the mistakes of others... the intent of these posts was was not to blast my parents- I truly felt they themselves were victims...who created other victims. My ultimate goal in my life is to break the chain...I try very hard to "honor my parents", as the commandment mandates.

I also have become aware of the necessity of focus...and maintain a lifelong attempt to give thanks for all things. I give thanks for my parents...they have made me the man I am today. I give thanks for my illness...the leukemia has given me greater insights of what is important (at least in my life).

I have become aware that this exercise has made some uncomfortable...so poof they are gone...digital magic.

Stay tuned for some positive news...

God Bless,

Proud Papa

This week I was able to help my nine year old granddaughter secure a library card...and watched her excitement when she found a book she wanted to read..."Diary of a Wimp..." volume three...

I secured my card from the Cleveland Public Libraries- Brooklyn Branch on 25th and Riverside... forty nine years ago...card nummber BN 3262...

Let me give you Money---Please.

That is the title of a book my friend Gil and I plan on writing. It is concerning the frustration one experiences when trying to get quotes, jobs done, and services-finding some people just don’t get back to you… Contrary to what you might think- bad economy and all- having responsive tradesmen is a rarity.

Example One: My garage… I called the “premiere” builder in my town- trying to stay local. He came out and we spoke and discussed what I wanted- and explained the last garage I built was my “pride and joy”… I wanted something of similar status- a three car garage- maybe some additional storage area. Because we are in a “historic” area of the community- and because we like to have things that blend well- we needed someone who knew the community, the regulations, and could satisfy everyone’s needs. He left after spending over an hour with us, saying he would give us a call with some ideas… I was ready- check in hand…

Have you heard from him? He never called. This turned out to be fortuitous since the economy took a nose dive… but I was ready willing and able to move forward.

Example Two: Because of the economy, we lowered our sights and decided to put in a “cement pond”- so we could bear to be out of the air conditioned house in the summer. Again, I called for quotes- pulling one name from the local mix and several from nearby Tampa… The local guys finally came by- after I recalled them repeatedly- we spent some time in the back yard discussing the vision. Coming to their office to see the plans, I found them ill prepared. I made the appointment early- prior to a flight. The fellow who came out to our house delegated the plans to a co worker- and after pointing out several missteps in the presentation- we decided to reconvene after they prepared accurate plans that reflected what we really wanted.

I think he and my garage builder have run off together- yep, no word from him…even though I was pretty clear we would be swimming in the back yard by memorial day…

Trying to cover the floors in the man cave after I have reinforced them with new sub flooring had me seeking a carpet installation.

I think you might understand my motivation in whining about this issue...I had expected to be completed several weeks ago... two companies- no measurements yet...

I guess the economy is not as bad as it seems.