Good morning gentlemen, As we all know that this world is changing by leaps and bounds, and many changes have affected many people in our communities especially small business owners. With big box stores like Walmart, Home Depot , IKEA, and so many others, they have forced small mom and pops stores out of business. I know I get it shopping online is so much easier and going to large big box stores have great deals because they can afford of provide mass quantities and lower prices. But this is also putting family owned businesses out of business, what can we as gentlemen and ladies do about this? We can patron these small businesses as often as we can, even if it’s to buy small things. Hey, this might not completely prevent them from closing, but it will let them know that we care and we appreciate their being there and provings a service. These little acts of kindness goes a long way when a family is struggling, and at the end of the day, if that business is forced to close its doors for the last time they will know that they were valued and that the service they provided was not in vain. These simple acts like if for me and my wife; and we raised our kids to be this way, if you stop a a small gas station to use the restroom buy something even if it’s a pack of gum. Let them know you appreciate them being there and providing the facilities. If you want to use Wi-Fi at a particular place do not just go in and use the Wi-Fi and leave, buy a cup of coffee or a danish or something. Remember someone has to clean that bathroom, and someone has to pay for the Wi-Fi that you are so freely using. As leaders, ladies, and gentlemen stealing whether its physically, or in moral retrospect of using services from others and not patronizing the establishment does not set a good example for others, and people will look at you as someone that feels entitled and it gives a poor perspective of who you are. So let’s show small businesses in our communities that we value and appreciate them being there for us as often as we can. And this holiday season make it a point to stop in and introduce yourself thank them for being there, and wish them a Merry Christmas and a blessed and prosperous New Year .

Good afternoon gentlemen As I was watching football games after church and I recall wanting to be like Fran Tarkington, Roger Starback, Dan Marino, and so many other athletes. Back then us wanting to be like them had nothing to do with how much money they made but out their ability to make plays and their talents. But as I got older I began to watch my father and my grandfathers, uncles, because of their positions they had in their fields, the time they put into their careers and families and the ability to balance all of it. Now days kids look at athletes, actors, performers, not because of their abilities but because of the money they make. Some unfortunately look at some that have criminal minds and behaviors because of what they can get away with. I know many of us have young men in or around our lives that we can pour into positive qualities and attributes that will shape their futures. We have a responsibility to lead young men in a way that will help them to succeed in life. If we do not take the initiative, we leave it up to them to follow those who might not be the best influence . Don’t get me wrong I am not saying that all athletes, performers, celebrities are bad influences by any means. But what I am saying, it if we do not take the initiative to teach them what are the good influences and how to balance their desires with the foundation of being gentlemen and career minded men, we are leaving it up to them to find path that might lead down the wrong path. These young men need to not only have a solid foundation but also how and why to have a plan “B” for if or when they either don’t reach their plan “A” or if something cause them to have to change from their plan “A” . This is also why we have to mindful of what we do, how we act, and how we carry and present ourselves even when we think no one is watching or paying attention, be because you never know who is watching or paying attention. So let’s lead by example and be intentional an all that we do.

I am volunteering at my wife’s primary school today. I’ve gone with a cream Wrangler shirt with a black fleece waistcoat over dark blue Levi 511 jeans. I’m wearing my Ariat rambler boots. Will chuck my Levi trucker jacket over the top to travel there as it’s a bit chilly outside. Will top it off with my new Akubra Traveller hat. Watch is a Tissot and scent is Defiant Conquest by Rebel Aromas which is inspired by Invictus.