Welcome to a very special episode and wisdom mini-series. This four-part series originates from an archive of rare 2004 recordings of wisdom conversations with my mentor, John Wells Jr.

Sadly, John passed away in early February 2005, after battling cancer. Those conversations and recordings served as a pre-cursor, perhaps even a prequel to this podcast which launched 15 years later in 2019. In the truest sense this has been two decades in the making.

Embracing Adversity with Grace and Resilience

Here in Part One our our mini-series, you will hear John share a wisdom lesson with me on the importance of embracing and reframing adversity. Football season is upon us, and appropriately John's lesson is rooted in a mythical football game. There are victories … and then there are special victories.

More About Our Wise Guest - John Wells, Jr.

John was one of the most effective and influential mentors in my lifetime. He taught, led and influenced me, opening my eyes and expanding my thinking on those things that truly matter. I was deeply blessed to know him.

John was a dedicated retail veteran and community leader who co-founded Wells Home Furnishings after working his years working at R.H. Kyle Furniture Co. Known for his entrepreneurial spirit, he led his business to award-winning success and earned induction into the National Wholesale Furniture Association Hall of Fame. Beyond his career, Wells was deeply involved in civic and youth service organizations in Charleston, including the Boys Scouts, YMCA and United Way, among others, reflecting his commitment to community betterment.

His leadership extended to serving as past president of the National Wholesale Furniture Association, where he influenced industry standards and fostered professional growth. Locally, John was known as an effective, tireless leader and chairperson of several charity fundraising drives.

His excellence was recognized on the national stage. In 2000, John was honored with the prestigious Ernst Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. He never sought the spotlight, and yet one day the President of the United States, George W. Bush, stood in Charleston and honored John Wells for his service. His legacy is marked by his dedication to his family, his profession and his community, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

Resources

YMCA Spirit of the Valley Tribute Video to John Wells, Jr. (2005)

Wells Home Furnishings website

Credits

Special thanks to Motion Masters, Inc. - Diana Sole Walko, CEO/President - for generously supporting and capturing video and audio from these 2004 sessions.

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