In this chapter, two friends who had not seen each other in years joined a wildlife rescue team to determine security of bald eagle fledglings in a vast natural recreation area. After the work was complete they went camping as a reward. What happened that evening in the rugged wilderness taught as much about nature, as it did about strength, precision and determination, in a man named Peter Churchfield. Who made a fortune while all those around him were losing theirs. Continuing the conversation from last time…
What? You were going on blind faith? Wasn’t that a band? “ Bernie said, clearly feeling his cognac.
“After the factory experience, and Kimberly, I had to act on my intuition when I had no real knowledge. But I’ve been fortunate—my gut instinct led me right. I’m a perfectionist to a certain extent, but I always trust my inner self so I can proceed without having every duck lined up. It’s been a thrill, and it has paid off. I figured out the difference between a typewriter ribbon and a robin’s egg and began selling mimeograph machines and then high-speed printers to large corporations. I jumped without benefit of a net into a world of risk, intricacies, and idiosyncrasies. Don’t get me wrong, this work constantly tested my stamina and resolve to not run away from problems. I know firsthand how it pays to turn problems into opportunities by finding ways to make hard decisions palatable and accepting ownership of all consequences.”
“Well, I’m … I’m … impressed,” Bernie said. “I know that a sales career is not easy. I couldn’t have done what you’ve done. You really had to have had your nose to the grindstone to cover your daughter’s medical expenses, to support your wife and family, and to live within your means.”
Enjoying my drink with the same enthusiasm, I quickly agreed. “Yes, he may have made the cut and earned the position he’d worked so hard for, but he didn’t slip into easy habits. His competitiveness, honed by his pole-vaulting experience, honed his focus. He planned for the unfamiliar duties of his job by practicing competence. Five days a week, he commuted in the dark at 5:30 a.m. to get to the office by six, when many of his fellow trainees were still in bed. Once the others arrived, they avoided picking up the phone and preferred doing easier tasks. Peter knew the only way to sell office equipment was to cold call strangers and give his sales pitch. So every day, he called at least twenty-five people. Most slammed down the phone before he said his second sentence. The rejection hurt, but he quickly recovered and continued to make a long-term commitment to selling printers and such. Bernie, try to guess how many lunches, dinners, and wildlife rescue trips I’ve taken with this guy. Trust me, you have a friend for life now—and you thought it was by chance that you met on the river bank. You’re going to want to keep in touch with him. You can have lunch with us!”
Continued here next time.
Read the complete story in the book, The Quiet Rich: Ordinary People Reawakening an American Dream.
Kevin J. Palmer, Author
