Bob Business

"If you're in it for the money, which are only half pay ..."

Bob Hammond (1921-2004) Motivational Speaker / dad

My father, Bob Hammond, grew up in Iowa during the Great Depression. Was poor, but received two years of college before being drafted into the Army Air Corps during World War II. Elite was a P-51 fighter pilot in the theater of Asia and was a decorated soldier. He drank more than 30 years processing experience. Consequently, our family grew up within the limits of alcoholism, divorce, and dysfunction.

As I got older, my father stopped drinking, we have forged a lifelong relationship. Your support for me to go to the University of Humboldt, along with a mutual spiritual rebirth, made for a lifelong friendship until his death in 2004. My father has always supported my educational goals and expressed his confidence in me, he always believed in my decisions and is available 24 / 7. He was a very sociable and seller expert. It was relational in every way. People were his passion.

The lessons my father taught me had to do with relationships. People had the highest priority. For example, he came to work with me one day in the weekly Tri City in downtown Eureka to attend and contribute to a sales meeting. I felt very proud and excited about my cohorts to hear the wisdom of the wise businessman and sales expert! He was my father, who comes to share his heart.

We gathered around, paper and pencil in hand to listen to Bob Hammond, Special sales. We were ready ... He sat in our office on 6th and San D and wait at least 30-45 minutes of training on the secrets of great sales. No Dice. There is not even close ...

He sat cross-legged in his chair, took a deep breath, and uttered the words that were simple and profound and it has taken me 15 years to really understand .... He simply said: "IF NOT FOR SALE FOR THE MONEY, YOU are only half pay." That was it. No prelude, no comment, no additions --- Just 13 words with the authenticity and belief. I must admit I was a little upset and horrified that do not have a strong following and more to add. He was not required.

His point was precisely this: In business as in life, people and relationships are key. They are the reason why we do what we do in business and commerce and in life. The free market system does not exist, even meaningless without good relationships, friendships and the joy of living a life full of meaningful experiences with other human beings.

My dad was a kind of people, a hug she loved crossword puzzles, plants, music, people, and especially to God. His legacy of kindness, acceptance, appreciation, gratitude and forgiveness will always be with me. As an alcoholic, always had a special place in his heart for those who fought against alcoholism. He was the model of non-judgment and kindness to all. My father left an inherent sense of piety, the spiritual value, and a goodness that transcends most people you'll ever meet. Although he was a warrior in World War II and killed many during the flight a P51 Mustang, the rest of his life was spent building, not destroy.

Will always be remembered in our family, like ice cream grandfather, who always loved Humboldt County, and insisted on several gallons of ice cream with every visit. Here is the legacy of a great guy, a great sales person ... one of the Greatest Generation. Can we approach our lives, careers and businesses with a relational dimension and the kindness and attention that all people want and need. Thanks Dad for modeling respect and honor the people in their quiet but profound lesson.