Time to Give Thanks

Marty GrunderWith Thanksgiving upon us, I wanted to take some time to thank some people in my life.

First of all, there’s Judd. Judd is my competition, to a degree. His company and mine do a lot of the same things and a lot of things differently. We get along very well because we both work hard, value our teams, try to do the right thing and, most importantly, we take care of our clients. I am amazed at the way Judd just jumps into things and does them. Judd’s attitude toward business and life is motivating. I also have to be honest; we push each other.

We are constantly talking about what each of us is doing and that’s a good thing. I want to win and so does he.

Thanks, Judd.

Then there’s John. John is my friend, but he’s also my banker. Under normal circumstances I wouldn’t advise you to bank with a friend, but in this case, I wouldn’t want it any other way. The service that John gives our company is incredible. He also constantly tells me about what he’s seeing at other local businesses, and makes suggestions to help me make and save money. His referrals are also great. My relationship with John, and the trust and openness we share, enables me to get information and financing that I might not be able to get anywhere else.

Thanks, John.

My friend Joe keeps me in shape. He pushes me to stay in top physical condition. There’s no telling what I would look like or feel like without Joe. But the neatest thing about Joe is his interest in business. While Joe works in athletics at the collegiate level, he is very interested and well-read on business and leadership. I bounce ideas off him all the time. His viewpoint as a consumer is very helpful to me. I am a better leader as a result of spending time with him.

Thanks, Joe.

Mike is a friend we should all be so lucky to have. He never holds back. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve run an idea by him that he’s picked apart. I know if he thinks the idea is a good one, then I’ve got something. He calls me out on the carpet whenever he feels like it. I like that and I need that.

Thanks, Mike.

The last friend I want to talk to you about is my wife, Lisa. She’s the best friend I’ve got. Imagine putting up with me for over 16 years! When I was working 16 hours a day and not home much, she never complained. When I told her one year Christmas might be tough, she said told me not to worry. When my father died unexpectedly, she helped me get through the toughest time of my life. I watch how she works and parents and supports me and feel lucky and thankful.

Thanks, Lisa.

We all need to take some time to thank those who have helped get us to where we want to go. It’s been a tough year, and next year might not be any better. But if you’ve got friends, you’ve got something that no amount of money can buy.