President's Corner - November 2023

A friend of mine, Johnny Carraro, shared this story with me. I have referred to it a couple of times.

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The Red Boat

A man was asked to paint a boat. He brought his paint and brushes and began to paint the boat a bright red, as the owner asked him.

While painting, he noticed a small hole in the hull, and quietly repaired it.

When he finished painting, he received his money and left.

The next day, the owner of the boat came to the painter and presented him with a nice check, much higher than the payment for painting.

The painter was surprised and said, “You've already paid me for painting the boat, Sir!”

“But this is not for the paint job. It's for repairing the hole in the boat.”

“Ah! It was such a small service... certainly it's not worth paying me such a high amount for something so insignificant.”

“My dear friend, you do not understand. Let me tell you what happened. When I asked you to paint the boat, I forgot to mention the hole. When the boat dried, my kids took the boat and went on a fishing trip.

“They did not know that there was a hole, and I was not at home at that time.

“When I returned and noticed they had taken the boat, I was desperate because I remembered the boat had a hole. Imagine my relief and joy when I saw them returning from fishing.

“Then, I examined the boat and found that you had repaired the hole! You see, now, what you did? You saved the life of my children! I do not have enough money to pay your 'small' good deed.”

No matter who, when or how -- continue to help, sustain, wipe tears, listen attentively, and carefully repair all the 'leaks' you find. You never know when someone needs our kindness.

Along the way, you may have repaired numerous 'boat holes' for several people without realizing how many lives you've saved.

We are ALL in the sales/service environment all day, every day, whether we are working or not.

How many "boat holes" can you find?  Be the best you can.

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The story is not verifiable, referenced, cross-checked or any other necessity of validating a story. However, I always understood the importance of its messages:

• Do your job.

• Do it well.

• Go the extra mile.

• Don’t complain.

• Don’t brag.

• Help others.

• Without seeking recognition.

By following these simple, logical steps you will always put yourself in the outperform group!

Take pride in what you do.

Jim Schildt is president of the FEI Louisville chapter and is director of accounting at Onsite Management Group in Louisville. He can be reached at jims@feilouisville.org.