Just A Few Words

There were three people in my life that played major parts in forming my successful career. They were my high school Principle, my Uncle that lived in California, and a guy named Hank. I feel lucky that I was able to thank the first two before they passed away. This story will be an attempt to thank the third.

It was in the 70's that while working on my business degree, I found myself working for my brother. I had been attending school full time and was working nights and weekends at a fast food restaurant. It was tough on my young foreign bride being left alone in our tiny apartment.
One day, my brother, who owned a used car lot, called and said he had just fired his porter and wondered if I might want to come work for him as a porter. The pay would be better, and I could work between classes and be with my wife evenings and weekends. It was a no brainier for me and so I went to work for him.
The arrangement worked well for me and continued for several years. My duties expanded from just being a porter to what amounted to managing the lot. A tragic event changed everything. My brothers partner was diagnosed with cancer and died within a few months. This created a huge void in the company and my brother asked me to start working full time. I was almost finished with my degree so I was glad to accommodate him. I finished up my degree taking evening classes.
During those years , I had become acquainted with a guy named Hank. I never knew if he had a regular job, but he was always coming around buying or selling cars. In the business he was called a "wholeseller" . I always enjoyed talking to him as he was intelligent and knowledgeable in a lot of areas. His personality was sometimes abrasive, but overall, he was a breath of fresh air in the area of used car business.

It was several years after I had completed my degree, that Hank came by one day. I wasn't busy, so we were having a conversation about various topics. He asked about my plans. I had always dreamed about owning my own business, but had fallen into a comfortable rut. My pay was good, I had purchased a home and had a young son. We continued to talk, then he looked me straight in the eyes and said "You know, Your Stupid" . I was shocked and at a loss for words. He continued "Your a smart guy and you should do something on your own, because you will never get anywhere working for your brother" . I was hurt and really felt like hitting him. I told him I had to get to work, and he left.
I thought of nothing else the rest of the day and during my long drive home. I told my wife about it when I got home and while she consoled me she said that Hank was just being honest.

A few days later, I asked my brother if he would ever consider taking me in as a partner. He said that he really liked me working for him , but a partnership would never happen.

A year later, my wife and I, held the Grand Opening of our Ford Dealership. The Dealership that we purchased had been on the brink of bankruptcy and turned out to be the proverbial "bird nest on the ground" for us.
Thank You Mr Hank!






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