My guidance counselor in high school asked me how I felt about digging ditches.. I think that was the first time I realized I was not going to be an astronaut. Much to her sha-grin I did graduate with a regular diploma, even if I couldn't read or write. I did go to tech school (to learn about shovels and such) I also picked up certifications in welding, soldering, wiring AC/DC, transmissions, brakes, frontend end alignment, auto a/c, diagnostic and repair in 6 months. (Normally 3 years of work, thankfully it was work at your own pace.) then got a job as a mechanic's helper/janitor at a car dealership, where I promptly (with in a month) got fired for fighting with the service manager. (I had to mop up after 15 mechanics everyday, and polish the floor once a week. Was not happy there to say the least.
Then found a job in the field I am in today (transport refrigeration) Started out the same way, but the guys there soon saw what I was able to do at 17 and put me to work, and sat me down in front of a library of books where I taught myself the trade. Got cocky again quit and started my first business at 18 or 19, took with a partner who robbed me blind, used my name and credit to run up big bills, and left me standing with a failed business 6 months later. With my hat in my hand went to work for a competitor. Stayed for a year, best job I ever had,.Was layed off, and went back to work for the first place in this field. This time I was well matured at 21, so I demanded one of the highest paying and one of the most sought after positions in the company.. So they gave it to me. One guy thought I could do it the rest said I would fail. The gave me the hardest route, with the least amount of support, and equipment to work on tht was not apart of refrigeration dealer I worked for catalog.
I was given the stuff no one else wanted to work on or knew how to.. I accepted this challenge for the next 7 or 8 years, and one day (amist internal company resentment towards me/because I was denied a parts commission for the parts I sold.. I began to fix equipment with discarded scraps from other broken components.) they put the service managers nephew (who two weeks before was a ceramic tile installer) on my truck in place of me.. To teach me a lesson.. So I quit again.. And started my second business with another partner, two years later God put 25k in my lap from a total stranger (who I only met one time before) to go out on my own, and 13 years later I'm still here. Along with a dozen or so other people give or take the time of the year. This year we sub divided the company, and I gave 1/3to a friend from high school (I think he was slated for ditch digging as well) he now owns our new and use refrigerated truck sales division. ( I helped him get a dealers license, and get started.) We still operate manufacturing, R&D/new equipment design, the service department, and our own brand of equipment sales department.
I say all of this to say (not brag/there is sooo much more I could go on about but as I am just along for the ride, it is not for me take credit for.) that is why I say that with out God I would indeed be digging ditches. Why? Because I know now my guidance consoler was trying to shock me into doing better, but in truth although sad that at the notion I would not ever fly into space, I was ok with my lot in life, so long as I had some one to share it with. I guess it was God who wanted more for me, thankfully all I need to do with be faithful to whatever I have been given.
All of it, from the technical stuff. To the religious stuff, was given to me. The only help I directly received from anyone in either case was how to look stuff up and how to make use of reference material. Everything else is given to me as a gift from God.
Then found a job in the field I am in today (transport refrigeration) Started out the same way, but the guys there soon saw what I was able to do at 17 and put me to work, and sat me down in front of a library of books where I taught myself the trade. Got cocky again quit and started my first business at 18 or 19, took with a partner who robbed me blind, used my name and credit to run up big bills, and left me standing with a failed business 6 months later. With my hat in my hand went to work for a competitor. Stayed for a year, best job I ever had,.Was layed off, and went back to work for the first place in this field. This time I was well matured at 21, so I demanded one of the highest paying and one of the most sought after positions in the company.. So they gave it to me. One guy thought I could do it the rest said I would fail. The gave me the hardest route, with the least amount of support, and equipment to work on tht was not apart of refrigeration dealer I worked for catalog.
I was given the stuff no one else wanted to work on or knew how to.. I accepted this challenge for the next 7 or 8 years, and one day (amist internal company resentment towards me/because I was denied a parts commission for the parts I sold.. I began to fix equipment with discarded scraps from other broken components.) they put the service managers nephew (who two weeks before was a ceramic tile installer) on my truck in place of me.. To teach me a lesson.. So I quit again.. And started my second business with another partner, two years later God put 25k in my lap from a total stranger (who I only met one time before) to go out on my own, and 13 years later I'm still here. Along with a dozen or so other people give or take the time of the year. This year we sub divided the company, and I gave 1/3to a friend from high school (I think he was slated for ditch digging as well) he now owns our new and use refrigerated truck sales division. ( I helped him get a dealers license, and get started.) We still operate manufacturing, R&D/new equipment design, the service department, and our own brand of equipment sales department.
I say all of this to say (not brag/there is sooo much more I could go on about but as I am just along for the ride, it is not for me take credit for.) that is why I say that with out God I would indeed be digging ditches. Why? Because I know now my guidance consoler was trying to shock me into doing better, but in truth although sad that at the notion I would not ever fly into space, I was ok with my lot in life, so long as I had some one to share it with. I guess it was God who wanted more for me, thankfully all I need to do with be faithful to whatever I have been given.
All of it, from the technical stuff. To the religious stuff, was given to me. The only help I directly received from anyone in either case was how to look stuff up and how to make use of reference material. Everything else is given to me as a gift from God.
