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When I was about 17 or 18 years old I remember asking my Uncle
Bill Thacher, why did you choose a career in the obscure car wash
industry? It was simple he replied, "I knew that I had two
choices and one decision to make. The choice was do I become a big
fish in a little pond or a little fish in a big pond? For me the
choice was simple I wanted to become a big fish in little pond"
The pond he choose was the car wash industry and true to his vision
he did become one of the founding fathers and pioneers of our industry.
His wisdom, vision and work ethic was inspirational. Years later,
after I had finished my undergraduate studies and my military obligation
my father asked me "now that all those obligations are behind
you, what you are going to do with the rest of your life?"
For me the die was cast. Bill Thacher's passion was genetically
implanted in my DNA. I, like my uncle, decided that I too wanted
to be a big fish in a small pond; I told my Dad I was going to make
a career of the car wash industry. I am sure that my Mom and Dad
sighed and probably gasped that I wasn't going to follow in my Dad's
footsteps and join the corporate rat race. Being a very small fish
in a big pond never really appealed to me and I have never regretted
my choice.
Making the decision to go against the main stream wasn't
easy but I had been blessed to have a number of people who had a profound
influence, coaching, counseling, and mentoring me. Their leadership
gave me the confidence to stand up for what I believed in! I would
like to share with you a little bit about these incredibly important
people.
William Sterling was a black man that worked for my
Dad. William was an ex pro-boxer and the kind of Dad that every boy
dreams of. He was firm, wise, strong, a guiding light when you needed
either direction or inspiration. For William I am eternally grateful.
He gave love without compromise, taught me to be respectful, how to
defend myself when required and above all he gave me the gift of colorblindness.
Aref Nauphal was a Lebanese customer of my Uncle Bill.
Aref built the first tunnel car washes in the Middle East. His sales
and negotiating skills were unbelievable. He spoke five languages,
and had the grasp of all the various cultures that he dealt within.
Shortly after becoming our (Sherman Industries) distributor for the
Middle East he took me under his wing. Together we traveled, sold,
and developed car washes throughout this region. The experience, knowledge
and wisdom about the Arab world I could have never gleaned on my own.
We were welcomed everywhere with open arms. The projects we completed
were once in a lifetime. For Aref I am indebted to enriching my life
with spirituality, removing blinders, and knowing that every thing
is possible with perseverance, perspiration and persuasion.
Dick Jones gave up a promising career with Exxon to
manage a very significant real estate business. Uncle Bill asked Dick
to become my business coach. He gave me one piece of advice I have
never forgotten. He said "Become an expert in your field, become
the most knowledgeable person in your industry! That is something
that will always have value, something that no one can take away"
That advise has driven me, I am still working on it, still learning
every day and hopefully a little more knowledgeable than the day before.
David Lippit, one of the other true car wash pioneers.
David tried and dabbled in many other enterprises, some more successful
than others. We were on a river trip with a group of car wash friends
when I told David of my diversification plans. Like David I was experimenting
with other opportunities, outside of the car wash industry. I asked
David to share his wisdom. Without batting an eye David said "find
something you are really good at, stay with it, beat it to death and
don't think that those skills are transferable, they are not!"
I have become rich, maybe not with all the tangible
items in this world but the experiences that I have had are priceless.
I have been so blessed by family, friends and by those who took the
time to share their wisdom. My balance sheet and my personal financial
statement might not be what others would say catorgize me as "rich"
but if they were to take the time to ask questions, listen, accept
a gentle nudge when presented and be passionate about your career
you also will be enriched beyond your wildest imagination.
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