This Thursday, November 27th we celebrate Thanksgiving in the United States. For Canadian readers, you celebrated Thanksgiving earlier this year. For those in other areas of the world, you might not formally celebrate a day to give thanks….but what if you did it? Spend a day giving thanks for your family, your employees, your gifts to the world.
I was hit between the eyes – a reason to be truly grateful
This summer we took a river boat cruise down the Duoro Valley into Portugal and Spain. One of the evenings we got into a lively, somewhat heated discussion about women, religion, and politics…things that most of us don’t talk about.
One of the people who was seated at our table, made the comment – be thankful that we can even HAVE this conversation – women would never be allowed at the table in some areas of the world, and we would all be put in jail for expressing our opinions in many parts of the world.
Yes, hit between the eyes with a 2 X 4…we have so much to be thankful for. And, we take our freedom for granted.
If you start complaining about X, remember that there are a lot of people who’ve survived much worse and have a lot less. And, many people can’t say anything for fear of being jailed or killed.
Here’s another story, one that I’ve told in the past:
Imagine a 17-year-old girl who has just been forced out of her home because the enemy has burned her house and the rest of her town to the ground. She escapes to the United states…alone.
All of her possessions are in a trunk – a mere 22 inches wide; 40 inches long; and 23 inches tall.
She lands in New York at Ellis Island in 1917 as World War I rages through Europe. She finds a cousin and lives there for a while…and rebuilds her life.
Who was this, probably scared, yet really brave 17-year-old? My grandmother.
I have her trunk, sitting right by the front door in my home. It is a reminder of how little she had to start with and how much I have in comparison.
I give thanks that my grandmother was brave enough to face a new life…and a new world…and appreciate the foundation she gave us.
So, what are you thankful for?
As 2025 winds down, it is natural to think about the past year, what has worked, and what hasn’t worked. Thanksgiving Day, whatever day you celebrate it, is a day to reflect and give thanks to those who have helped us and supported us throughout our life.
Give thanks for your knowledge and the ability to serve your customers, employees, and others.
Give thanks for your team.
Perhaps that is the biggest lesson I’ve learned over the past few years. A great team, both at home and at work, is critical to success. I can help you because of many, many people on our team. They worked their butts off to support me so that I can help you.
I have had the honor to be inducted into the Contracting Business Hall of Fame this year…recognition for the help I’ve given many of you as you grow your businesses. Many of my clients have sold their businesses this year, for great multiples because of their outstanding profitability and maintenance programs.
Others have shared your successes as a result of implementing what I write and talk about in Contractor Cents. I appreciate your emails, phone calls, and letters.
I thank God:
This is the one time of year that I bring my religious beliefs into Contractor Cents. Some days when “Murphy” decides that he is going to win and we can’t wait until the day is over, we wonder why we are in this business (me included!). Everything that happens, happens for a reason. On most days we enjoy what we do. We are doing good things for our customers, our employees, and our communities.
Feel good about it and give thanks to God for all He has given us… the good, the challenging, and the ability to learn and grow from the trials and tribulations we experience personally and professionally.
My thanks to all of you…and to my grandmother for her bravery and building a new life in the United States. We have been given a lot.
Have a great Turkey Day!
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