As we fly back from Belize it’s nice to have time to chill and think. There were so many new memories made and experiences had it feels great to pause and take inventory of them all. It’s been an amazing week and change and there’s one person more than any other to thank for this experience, my mentor, business partner, and friend, Norm Doty. Many years ago Norm had the dream of having a place in Belize. Through those years he’s busted his butt to make that dream a reality. Had he not had that dream and then gritted it out this past week never would have happened.

Since I first met Norm over 18 years ago he’s been helping me dream big. When I interviewed with Norm he completely flipped the script on me. Instead of him asking me questions I was given the homework of preparing a list of questions for me to ask him. As we talked he repeatedly turned the tables yet again and helped me see how a career with Express could to future ownership opportunities. He shared his story, Mark and Sheryl Tasler’s story, and helped me to start writing my story that afternoon in December of 1999. Norm promised that with hard work and sacrifice it would be a possibility for me, and he followed through.

As I grew towards my dream he was there to help guide me and push me. After a couple of years he helped me build a stronger relationship with Mark Tasler which led to our partnership in Winona. After I’d had a chance to settle into that role a little bit he helped me expand my horizons and consider much larger possibilities… Why settle for one office when I could have several? Why only have one office in a territory when we could have three or more? Why only focus on a handful of offices when there could be so many more? Whenever I get close to growing moss he’s right there to keep me moving forward, and I’m so thankful for that additional drive in my life!

In addition to helping me reach for my dream he was there alongside me to coach me on business, sales, and being a professional. The 23 year old version of me was a far cry from who I am today, much of my learned professionalism has come from watching and observing Norm. Another large part of that growth in professionalism has come from clear, honest and direct coaching from him when I’ve needed it.

To be clear, when I mention professionalism I am thinking of everything from how to act in a business meeting to learning how to treat your teams and leaders. Always a fantastic host he’s always doing everything right. Little gifts here and there to help remind you of dreams and to keep pushing us. Little ways to help everyone feel more welcome. Even this week he went out of his way to map out a 4 mile running route for Becky and I that involved no running on major roads! Those times in which I’ve gone out of my way to do a little something for my teammates have typically been inspired by something Norm has done for me.

Every Monday morning at 9am Norm and I have a 30 minute phone call to help me focus on my week. I give him a quick update on what I focused on the previous week, share where our offices currently are, and then narrow my focus on the three most important things on my plate each week. While we talk he pulls no punches and challenges me. Norm pushes to make sure I’m heading in the right direction. On those calls he also checks on how I’m doing personally and we shoot the bull. He gives me the opportunity to vent and/or brainstorm when I need it. When something starts to seem off a little bit he calls me on it and helps me see it. Sometimes it’s something that I don’t want to deal with, but regardless of how uncomfortable it is for him to bring it up he always does, and I’m eternally grateful for that quality of his! When these conversations happen he handles them with class, respect and professionalism. How fortunate am I to have a coach and mentor who is that honest and open?

The funny thing is that as I think about what I’ve typed up to this point it seems like I could stop the blog here, call it a day, and you’d see why I’m thankful for Norm. I could, but I’d be missing a few of the things I appreciate the most about Norm. The business stuff is all well and good, but when push comes to shove there are a few reasons I’m thankful for him more than any other.

Once you get to know Norm you quickly see how willing he is to do anything and everything to help others. He’ll go out of his way to help others feel welcome and have comfort. When we talked once he shared a story with me that I’ll never forget. He shared the story of how his dad always opened his house to anyone who needed a safe place. His dad always kept the freezer stocked full of pizzas and whatnot for anyone who needed food. The story of what his pops did to help others out in of itself is amazing and inspiring. What Norm doesn’t know is that in many of my interactions that story he shared with me lives on. I’ve got a long way to go to be on his dad’s level, but between that story and observing Norm living that value I’ve been able to make progress.

Speaking of dads, he’s helped me see that it’s possible to be a very successful business person AND a be an awesome dad. His dedication to his family is second to none. While I’m not sure that it’s my place to share too much about his family let me just say this. Spend ten minutes with Norm and you’ll quickly see how important his family is to him. You hear the passion and love in his voice as he talks about them and with them. You can see the dedication he has to spending time with them. How he balances taking such great of them while running a successful business is a feat that I strive to achieve. Fortunately for me, he shares some of the ways he does it with me. What Becky and the boys don’t always know ifs that many times when I do something for them it’s probably been inspired by something Norm’s already done. I’m so thankful for having a mentor like Norm – both for being a professional and a dad.

When my dad had his stroke there were so many people all around me who were able to help me out. The way Norm helped me out is in a way that I can’t being to thank him enough for… he played the role of my dad. From the first day on he was helping to coach and guide me through. Drawing form the experience of losing his dad he was able to help me stay afloat. All I wanted at that time was for my dad to be there to help to coach and direct me on what to do and how to act. I was a lost little kid and just needed my dad. When Norm called and texted it was like Dad was there with me.

It was also his advice that helped me stay strong for everyone who needed me to to be strong. While I gritted out a smile as long as I could there were the points when the wall started to crack. In those moments I took some of his other advice, went down to my car in the parking lot, cried, screamed, and bawled until all my emotions were spent, put my game face back on, and then went back to being strong. I was able to be strong for others in the way Dad would’ve wanted thanks in part to Norm’s help.

In that most difficult time of my life I knew that Norm was there for me, I knew he loved me and wanted the best for me, and would be there through anything I’d ever need. Also true to our relationship Norm was there for both good and bad, prepping me for everything including how to temper my always optimistic demeanor. Whether a call, text, or email he was always on my radar helping as his own memories came back to him from losing his dad. Looking back I can only imagine how many memories, both good and bad, of losing his father came flooding back to him. While there were hopefully more positive than negative ones I am so thankful he let them all pour out in effort to help me. I can’t even being to state how much he helped fill the gap left by my dad and how much he taught me about being a dad in that roughest time of my life. Similarly, there’s not a way for me to express in words just how thankful I am for all he did for me during that time.

Whew, that turned out to be a little longer than I expected, but in some ways I also feel like it’s not even the tip of the iceberg of all of the reasons I’m thankful for Norm. When I peel it all back I guess it comes down to a few things. Norm’s taught me how to be successful in business and in being a dad. He’s had an impact in life unlike any other. He’s helped me dream big, reach those dreams, and then dream bigger. The cool thing is that I can already see Norm’s legacy living on in me, my teams, and my family… and we’re all better for it!

Thanks for the incredibly positive impact you’ve had on my life, you’re the best! Love you dude!

Thanks!!!

So I’m pretty sure what I’m thankful for today is a little tough to pull off back home… I’ve already got some ideas to pull it off, but I’m pretty sure I’ll need a lot of cash and a complete disregard for the environment.

The place we’re staying is AMAZING!!! The villa we’re staying in is a two family unit with a shared living room in the middle. One of the best things about it is the fact that it’s all wide open! There’s no door, window, or exterior wall in the front, just a set of stairs leading into a deck and then into the living room. It feels so awesome to be outside, but still under a roof. If La Crosse’s climate was ever to change this would be the first thing we’re changing on our house.

There are no bugs coming in, and only the occasional gecko chirping from the ceiling. The cool breeze is blowing in as we chill on the couch (me blogging and Becky reading a scientific journal). We ate supper on the couch and just enjoyed the sounds of the waterfall and the frogs from the living room.

At some point in life when we’re living somewhere awesome for a few months each winter this is definitely one of the things we’ll be looking for in our rental home! The time we’re spending here reminds me so much of our time on the ocean in Hawaii when we chilled on the deck. So peaceful and relaxing, I’m going to soak up every possible moment!

Thanks!!!

Today’s blog post might inspire future posts along the same vein so I’ve decided to name it appropriately. What if? What a great question right? It provides the opportunity to totally suspend reality for a moment and think about something in a completely different way than normal. Living in a continual state of “what if?” probably isn’t healthy, but sometimes, in small doses, it can provide some interesting insight.

As we drove to the place we’ll spend our next few days we had the opportunity to really see Belize, not just the tourist areas, but the actual areas in which people love, the true 95+%. It was very eye opening in in several ways. The natural beauty was awesome and changed several times as we made our three plus hour drive. What really struck me though were the homes and villages we drove through.

The homes were very small and modest. In some cases when the doors were open they appeared to have only two or three rooms. There was no glass for windows, only the wooden shutters that were almost all open. The homes were very small and there wasn’t much of anything inside. It looked like they were never locked nor were they ever fully closed. I only saw two pairs of headphones and one iPhone as we made our way up the mountain. It was then I realized or started to imagine just how simple they live here… and it got me thinking…

What if I lived here? What if I fell off the grid like this? What if I took a job as a farmer and lived in one of these houses with my family? What would be different? What would be the same? What benefits would there be and what would the drawbacks be?

These questions got my mind racing and I kept thinking about what if’s…

As I considered the question “what if” it got me thinking about how much more simply I could be living. It got me thinking about how much less stuff I really need in my life to be happy. It got me thinking about ways to be more joyful. While of course I’d never want to trade places, it helped me think about ways to be more happy and joyful in the life I have.

As we drove I had a earphone in my ear, listened to a great music and was dreaming about ways to be more joyful in my everyday life and it felt great! Today I’m grateful for playing the “What If” game with myself, it led me to some pretty cool thoughts and many smiles.

Thanks!!!

Much of the time spent with many of my Express family members is related to work. They’re all a great group to work with, but days like today remind me of how awesome it is to spend some time away from work with them. Today also reminded me of how excellent it is to spend time away not only with them, but also with our significant others.

Sure, we talked about work a bit today too, but the majority of the time together was spent getting know each other better and enjoying each other’s company. Many fun moments were made and I’m thankful for all of them.

The next time we’re all together it will be focused on work, but to be able to just chill as a family felt pretty incredible today. Thank you all for a wonderful day full of happiness!

Thanks!!!

How in the world did I end up here?  Seriously, I woke up to one of the most spectacular sunrises I’ve ever seen this morning.  It was so awesome that I ran out to take a picture.  As soon as I got back into our villa I looked over my shoulder and saw that a few pelicans were swimming past to make it even more scenic.  Right back out I went to get an even better shot!

 

As I stood there and soaked it in I just kept thinking to myself, “how did I get here?”  While at first I started to smile with pride and pat myself on the back.  Of course it was my hard work and my attitude, right?  How could it be anything else?  But even as I thought it I wasn’t truly at peace with that answer.

Thinking more about it I thought about my mentors, my incredible partners that saw something in me and helped to grow and shape me.  They’ve coached and molded me through tough lessons and great successes.  Without them I wouldn’t be the business professional I am today.  This was starting to feel more right, but it still was a bit off.

My thoughts then drifted to my teams.  My hardworking and awesome Express family who bust their butts everyday to help find work.  Their an incredibly hard working family of professionals who truly care for each other.  I draw strength and motivation from them on a daily basis and I’m so thankful to have them.

Of course my brain and heart also led me to Becky and my boys for their never ending faith and support.  As I’ve said before, they could be the topic of my blog every single day.  I am not me without them and heir love.

Between these answers I was feeling better.  I then headed off to the gym to get a few miles in to start the day.  My headphones went on and I became absorbed in the run.  After about a mile it clicked.  I had forgotten someone, or better yet, a couple of someones.  A smile cracked across my face and it didn’t leave for the rest of my run.

My parents made so many sacrifices for my brother and I that it still makes my head spin.  From my memories and little pieces of conversation that are only evident for a flash I’ve got a bit of an idea of some of what they’ve sacrificed for us.  As a dad I understand that’s probably only the very tip of the iceberg.  They both gave so much, sacrificed so much, and did so much to help Nick and I be successful in life.

In making those trade offs they could have very easily have been bitter or frustrated.  They could have used guilt to punish us for what they’d given up, but that was never the case.

My parents taught us what a growth mindset was by being incredible role models of it.  They showed us how to dream big for ourselves and helped us have the confidence in ourselves to believe absolutely anything was possible.  They taught us to make the best of any curveball life threw our way(Growth Mindset).

They showed us that with hard work anyone can become anything, but you had to want it bad enough and work hard enough to do it (Grit).

Regardless of what life tossed our way they showed us to always do what was right, no matter how hard it was to do that sometimes (Do Right).

At the end of the day we knew they love us unconditionally and that they will always be there for us (even in death Dad is still with me).

When I pause to reflect on just how fortunate I am to wake up to that beautiful sunrise this morning there are so many people that I am thankful for.  While each and every single one of them are so important to me they wouldn’t likely be in my life without the jump start that I got from my parents.  Their sacrifices, their attitudes, and, most importantly, their love have all built the base of who I am…  and I couldn’t be more thankful or feel more blessed to have them in my life.

Mom and Dad, thank you both for all you’ve done, all you’ve given, all you’ve taught, and all the love you’ve shared with Nick and I.  I can speak for both of us and say we have no idea how you’ve stayed so strong, so happy, so optimistic, and so loving through all these years, but it’s made all the difference in the world to us.  We love you and are so thankful to be able to call you Mom and Dad.  Love you!!!

Thanks!!!

 

 

Today has been nothing short of amazing.  As I spend time thinking about what I’ve appreciated most my brain has been racing through everything that’s happened today, there’s so much to be thankful for!  The overwhelming majority of those memories have one consistent theme…  dream fuel.

During the day we met and discussed our plans for this next year and beyond while getting into some of the big and crazy dreams we have.  Oe of the focal points was considering our legacy… (Quick reminder – my favorite definition of legacy is:  the impact we make in the lives of others).  What is the legacy that our mentors Mark and Sheryl have instilled in us?  What is the legacy that we want to leave behind?  As we consider the legacy of our mentors they’ve left some huge shoes for all of us to live into.  This means we have to dream big and keep the momentum going.  My brain was racing with the possibilities.  It was straight dream fuel and got me dreaming bigger than ever before (future offices in New Zealand?  Just sayin’….).

While at dinner we talked about many topics ranging from high school wrestling to farming to travel.  The topic of travel was pure dream fuel and helped me a dd a few to my dream list.  Hearing about someone’s travels to the pyramids of Giza  and Iceland was AWESOME!!!  Throw in stories of views in Italy and visits to Norway and it kept getting better and better.

So much of my time was spent with incredibly successful people, mentors, friends, and Express family.  Many of those interactions were the fuel I needed to keep my dreams growing…  from dreaming big to dreaming bigger.  I am so thankful for that dream fuel, for each of those moments that have helped me continue to push for more.  Huge thank you’s to everyone who played a part in my day, you’re awesome!!!

Thanks!!!

One of the discussions we’re having in our strategy meeting tomorrow is on the topic of legacy. A few months ago I wrote a blog specifically on that topic. In our Express Leadership Academy we were offered up the following definition of legacy: “The impact we have on the lives of others.” It’s not about what we are remembered for, it’s specifically focused on the impact we have in the lives of others. When I consider my professional career one of the few who’ve had biggest impact in my life is one of my mentors, Mark Tasler.

A handful of years ago we were conducting an exercise talking about our personal values. There were three sets of voices I kept hearing in my head as I thought… my parents, my favorite priest, and Mark Tasler. I could hear his voice as I thought about the values of giving, dreaming big, and being a great and human leader. As we talk about legacy tomorrow the impact he’s had in my life will be readily apparent. In most cases i still have a long ways to go before I’m to his level, but he’s helped me set the course. Those three key values are a part of the legacy that Mark has left on me that I hope to continue to pass on to others.

Before we even talk about values I’d be remiss to not mention that quite literally I would not be with Express without him and his wife, Sheryl. They opened a staffing service on their own in Rochester many years ago. Taking a leap of faith they took out a loan and started working on their dream. That dream has continued to grow bigger and bigger as they opened more offices then moved on to helping others open new offices, then moved into helping other grow into their offices, all while continuing to help generation after generation of their beloved Express family. Their dream and leap of faith have left quite the legacy, who knows how many thousands of lives they’ve impacted for the better.

One of the biggest values Mark instilled in me really hit me in our first meeting. All new hires for their offices went to Rochester to meet with Mark and Sheryl and then they would take us out to lunch. Even though Mark had a meeting with all of the franchisees in his region that day he carved out time to spend with me, an entry level brand new employee. As he and I talked the conversation quickly went away from business and went to family. We shared stories of our parents and how we grew up. He had lost his father not too long before our meeting and at one point he shared how he’d wished he’d taken his dad up fishing in a specific spot. I spoke from the heart and told him that if he went now his dad would be with him this time. At that moment I saw his eyes well up a little. He took a deep breath and excused himself from the office. A while later we jumped back into conversation and then had an excellent lunch in downtown Rochester.

As I drove back to Winona my mind kept going back to our conversation. In the span of about 30 minutes Mark showed me how to be an excellent leader. Treat everyone on your team with the utmost respect regardless of position. A great leader is human, has feelings, and is not afraid to express him. What Mark didn’t know at the time was that when we met he was by far and away the most successful person I’d ever met and I was scared to death to meet him. Within seconds he helped me see that regardless of how successful he was that he was a real and approachable person. That single conversation helped me see that great leaders are real people who care about their family and that they consider their teams their family.

At another one of our monthly meetings Mark and I had a conversation as we both grabbed a cup of coffee. “Mike, what are some of your dreams?” I immediately told him the dream I had of making a specific personal income goal. He smiled, chuckled, and said, “and then what?” I shared that if I made that much every year I’d be good. He again chuckled, “you’ve got to dream bigger than that! First dream big, and then dream bigger.” At the time i was a little frustrated and totally missed the point. I kept thinking, but that’d be enough, why dream bigger?

Even though I missed it at the time that conversation has stuck with me. At some point a few years later as I was running multiple offices and I started helping to grow others on my team it finally sunk in. There was much more that I could do, more lives I could impact if I kept dreaming bigger and kept pushing myself. Since then as I start to dream I first get my dream pictures in my head and then ask myself, “what would be even cooler than that?” The results sometimes might sound a little ridiculous, but they would be pretty awesome! Instead of dreaming of opening one new office and occasionally vacationing in New Zealand why not dream of opening several Express offices in New Zealand and then working as a developer to help others in that country live the dream of business ownership? See what I mean? A little out there, but that’s when the really cool stuff can start to happen… dreaming bigger opens up many new possibilities and I have Mark to thank for that!

Quite possibly the most beautiful value Mark has helped to instill in me is to give more than I think that I can. In another one of our monthly meetings Mark and i had a great conversation about philanthropy (seeing a trend? Maybe I should ask him to have a weekly conversation instead!). As we talked he told me, “Mike, just give and keep giving. Give without thought of receiving. Give more than you think you can and you’ll always find that you can give a little more. The more you give the more rewards that come back to you. Those rewards are never why you give in the first place, but they’re a fantastic benefit.”

Mark and Sheryl have lived this value many times over. The number of ways they’ve given to their communities, friends, family, and countless others is nothing short of staggering. From starting a golf outing that’s raised over $1m to trips and support to those in need in Africa to helping fellow franchisees they’re always amongst the first to offer help before it’s asked for. One only needs to spend a little time with them to see just how giving they are.

In addition to giving of financial help Mark is an incredibly giving leader. He’s always willing to help guide us through any situation we may face. Mark’s there for us when we need advice and guidance. Another thing he gives is his passion and his honesty. Never one to mince words he’ll open tell me when I’m wrong. In times when I’ve disagreed with him both of our voices have been know to raise with the passion we have for what we do, yet never has he made me feel belittled. Mark will push me and challenge me to lift myself to be greater than I think I can be at times. He gives that honesty and passion even though it’d be so easy for him to not say anything. It is because of his love and respect for us that he speaks up and does everything he can to make us the best we can be. What a gift is it to have someone like that in my life? I’m so thankful for this and for his helping me see one of the areas in which i need to continue to grow if I truly want to live up to his legacy.

One of the many facets of Mark’s legacy are those three values he’s helped me see and understand. To always be a human leader who values every single one of his family (team). To dream big, and then dream bigger. To give more than I think is possible without thought of receiving. There’s a long, long way for me to grow before I’m truly loving up to his legacy, but I’ll stay the course and I know that at anytime he’ll let me know if I’m getting offtrack. In keeping with the concept of legacy I hope to have that same impact on the lives as others, to keep the ripple that Mark has started moving forward.

Mark, thank you so much for all you’ve given me throughout our past 18 years of working together. From the opportunity to work with you to helping me see that dream of ownership more clearly to pushing me to dream bigger to openly sharing your values. I am the man i am today because of the impact you’ve had on me. Thank you for seeing something in me that i hadn’t quite seen for myself. Love you Mark!

Thanks!!!

Dominic is getting ready for winter camp with his cousin Nathan’s troop this weekend (my old beloved Troop 540!). As he’s been going through his packing list it’s bringing back some awesome memories for me. Using double sleeping bags, packing clothes in plastic bags, and double checking his list has kept me smiling all night. This will be the first truly cold weather outdoor camping he’s done and it will be awesome hearing what he thought of it. Many years later I still remember waking up to see frost and icicles inside my tent for the first time out at Camp Lugerville… it was AWESOME!!! He’s so pumped up to head out, he’s in for an amazing adventure and I can’t wait to hear all about it.

While Gavin and I were heading home we were talking about one of the highlights of his day, playing with the other kids on the snow pile during recess. As we talked about it he told me how much he loved playing it even though sometimes you fall and hurt yourself. Sometimes it was an ankle, other times a bump on the head. “Dad, it might hurt sometimes but it’s well worth the fun. Sometimes having fun hurts, but it’s worth it. I’d rather have a life with a little hurt and a lot of fun than a life of no hurt and no fun.” Amen little buddy, you nailed it! Keep that awesome nugget of insight, it will do you well in life.

This picture has nothing to do with the two things I blogged about, but they were having so much logrolling while I was typing that it only seemed appropriate!

Many great things to be thankful for today, thanks boys for making my day even more awesome! Love you boys!

Thanks!!!

There’ve been many times when I’ve seen something delicious on Aunt Andrea’s Facebook feed.  Normally I drool for a few minutes and then move on.  These past few days I’ve actually taken action on them and I’ve made two of them.

For the Super Bowl I made Baked Antipasto Sandwiches and for a side for supper tonight I made pepperoni chips.  Both recipes were super easy and tasted delicious!  Nope, neither of them were even remotely nutritious, but they were amazing nonetheless.  As Gavin put the chips tonight, “they’re the greatest snack ever made by the greatest dad ever!”  Pretty sure he was just sucking up to get them again in the future!

While I only spend a couple of minutes each day on Facebook I’m glad Aunt Andrea’s awesome recipes are right on top.  Whenever I’m in the mood to try something a little different (and especially when it’s just the boys and I) I know where I’ll look for inspiration.  Thanks again for the delicious posts Aunt Andrea!!!