When I was asked to jot down a few thoughts about my term as President, I must admit it gave me pause.    Why you may ask; because I realized that it would be difficult to quantify the experience in a few sentences.    Being President of your association was a constant give and take.  It was ideas expressed, discussed, accepted or rejected.  It was challenges confronted and conquered.  It was laughter and tears.  But more than anything it was humbling.  Humbling to find out that I knew only what I knew (forgive the redundancy).  It is so easy to become trapped in our own experiences and have these be our only roadmaps for success or failure.  When you are in a group of people sharing ideas, solving problems, listening to suggestions you realize, as I did, that the collective body of knowledge is much vaster than what you possess as an individual.  Frankly, I am amazed at the insights I gained this year about this business and about myself and I will share a few with you.

Let’s tackle the business first (always easier than the personal stuff).  I am pretty good at the administrative and control portions of my business.  I always thought I was a real customer service oriented individual.  But what I learned was CUSTOMER’S DON’T CARE HOW SMART I AM, THEY EXPECT THAT AS A MINIMUM.  They are looking for extraordinary experiences.  Several of my fellow board members have already figured this piece out and are executing flawlessly causing their businesses and bottom lines to flourish.   This has forced me to look back at my business, our methods and evaluate whether or not we are “easy” to do business with.   As this year evolved I determined that we needed to improve in this area – rules are great but flexibility is better.  One of our managers gave me a book – “The Fred Factor” by Mark Sanborn – if you have not read it I suggest you do.

Now on the personal side, I know I have grown as a person, a manager and a board member.  You cannot be around several of my fellow board members and not grow in these areas.  We have members of your board that give as much to their community as to themselves.   All of the board members are now my friends.  I know I can call on them for anything – business or personal.  This is so incredibly valuable.  Really, at the end of the day, how many people can you call upon when you are in crisis – whether it’s business or personal.  I know I can call on these people and they will come to my aid.  What value can you place on this?  You cannot, as it’s value is immeasurable.  To my fellow board members, thank you for your service this year and thank you for becoming my friend.

This farewell would not be complete without a word about Team ISSFA.  Our staff toils away, often unappreciated or even criticized for their efforts.  This I cannot abide.  This small staff of individuals works more hours with more dedication than any other group I know.  Each and every ISSFA member should pick up the phone, send an email, write a letter and say thank you. 

Now to you Oxley, no fights – how boring we were!  Thank you for your endless support this year, for respecting my opinions and my authority, and for becoming my friend.

To my association, I am no longer your President, but I am a fellow fabricator, having good days and bad days just like you and I am always here available to commiserate!   Thank you for the honor of serving you this year.

Sincerely,
V