Recently, an insurance adjuster assessed our roof for hail damage. From the moment the adjuster climbed out of his truck, he moved diligently and at a fast pace.  He knew what he came to accomplish, and he was determined to do it as efficiently as possible. Instead of pulling out a ladder, he pulled ...

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There’s a radio program that’s about buying real estate with very little cash. The host of the program claims he can make us rich if we borrow as much debt as possible to buy real estate.   The result, however, is an upside-down pyramid of debt.   As a young man, I borrowed excessively to buy ...

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A common refrain I hear from many CEOs is that, “it’s lonely at the top.” Business owners often make tough decisions that they’re not comfortable sharing with their team members.  Unless they find a group of peers, or pay for a business coach, many CEOs often end up making decisions in isolation. This can lead ...

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When a cook in North Carolina was hired by an IHOP restaurant, he informed his boss that he didn’t work on Sundays for religious reasons. This man’s wish was honored until new management took over.   When the cook refused to work on Sunday, his new manager fired him. This cook sued IHOP and he ...

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My cousin, Jack, negotiated with a hotel manager to host our family reunion. The manager agreed to waive the banquet room rental fee if enough of our family rented hotel rooms.  Unfortunately, we didn’t meet his expectations.  The manager was inclined to waive the fee anyway, until one of his investors demanded that we get ...

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Recently, our church taught a series on God in the Storms. Our pastor mentioned that there are times when storms can be God’s way to teach us something significant.   But sometimes we don’t learn the lesson the first time. If you’re like me, sometimes I don’t learn the second or third time either.   When God ...

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In the Kendrick Brothers new movie, The Forge, a young man named Isaiah is mentored by his new boss. Early in the movie, Isaiah’s boss notes that Isaiah doesn’t know how to properly shake hands.  Later, the CEO teaches Isaiah to shake hands firmly while looking his new acquaintance in the eyes. Many employers express ...

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The Kendrick Brothers just released their latest movie, The Forge. The Forge is about a mature CEO who chooses to hire a young delinquent provided the delinquent agrees to be mentored twice a week.   Throughout the movie, this young man is mentored in how to be a good employee and leader, while also being discipled ...

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Unfortunately, our nation’s history includes seasons when laborers have been abused and oppressed. In the 1880s that was the case as the railroad barons required laborers to work on average 60 hours a week.  When one individual feels they’re being abused, it’s hard for that one person to individually overcome their employer’s demands. But when ...

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In his early 20s, my friend, Butch, bounced from job to job. I remember feeling sorry for him because he seemed lost.  That’s until the day Butch proudly pronounced to his father, “I was hired today to work at your company.” Butch’s father was a successful construction superintendent.   Butch’s dad was apprehensive because of ...

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