Stress... I ain't got no stinkin stress

It had to happen... Back in the "workforce"... playing the games that seem to capivate many...I got caught up in the drama of it all. I let the "pressures" build, my desire to succeed over ride my rational behavior. It is a jungle out there...

Last week, I ended the week feeling like I had a bowling ball in my gut. It was the usual roller coaster ride that accompanies the business world- especially in a recovering economy. The numbers looked bad... the sales were off- quite a bit orginally.. and I was at a loss. Reports were due- at the last moment- and I was traveling with one of my guys...

Back in the office I discovered the "challenge"... not as bad as it could be...

I wondered during the weekend if I had lost my mind- getting back into the mix... and of course, I had to go to Columbus on Monday for my every other month check up... seeing if I was still ok... my Chronic Lymphocrytic Leukemia was still being held in check.

It was- is.

Then it occurred to me. I have survived a virtual death sentence...Two years ago, I came home to "die". Yet, here I am... doing as I like to say "better than I deserve..." I reflected upon my life-I had pulled myself up from the slums of Cleveland...alcoholic dysfunctional family... I had beaten the odds- all looking rather bleak, but all turning out alright in the end. In retrospect, my life has been about overcoming obstacles... and I have done it when- and only when, I recall one important factor.

He has risen... He has forgiven me my sins. He is in control...

So I grabbed a few books- "Joseph", "Mere Christianity", along with a new testiment I received from the Promise Keepers back in 1998 and my all time favorite- "The Power of Positive Thinking" and placed them on my bedside. Bedtime reading. I took a copy of "Promise Keepers at Work" into work, and selected my play list of spiritual songs on my IPad...

I am relaxed. I know I am and will be ok- no matter what...He is in control. The email I received on the way home from the west coast, marked Urgent, that mandates a new battery of reports by noon tomorrow will be completed- in a calm orderly manner.

Thank God for all things.

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.