Blue Collar Executive

A Simpler Life

We all seek advancing technology yet we also all share a yearning for a simpler life.  Technology can help us be more efficient and effective, but it can also rob us from inner peace at the same time.  It is important to disconnect sometimes and enjoy the simplicities of life.  It's simple to be happy, but it is becoming more and more difficult to be simple.  

The Bible

Fictional novel or inspired word of God?  In this episode I share the facts and why I choose the Bible as my instruction book for lifes journey.  

The Greater Power Within

The spirit of mankind is like a kite which rises by means of the very forces that seem to oppose its rise.

Always Go For The WOW

Dear CEO

There is a growing epidemic of poor customer service.  Many leaders will tell you that it is a result of the inability to staff quality employees.  There is some truth to this, but they need to look in the mirror for the solution.  The issue is not the employee, rather the employer.  There are plenty of dedicated, hard working people to fill any company's needs.  However, they have a choice and no one wants to give their loyalty and dedication where they are unappreciated and feel like what ...

Now Hiring

There is a growing epidemic of poor customer service.  Many leaders will tell you that it is a result of the inability to staff quality employees.  There is some truth to this, but they need to look in the mirror for the solution.  The issue is not the employee, rather the employer.  There are plenty of dedicated, hard working people to fill any company's needs.  However, they have a choice and no one wants to give their loyalty and dedication where they are unappreciated and feel like what ...

Don't Half Ass It

YOU HAVE THE WRONG PIG BY THE EAR

What Exists In The Absence

If God is omnipotent, all loving, and all knowing why does he allow evil to exist?  Tough question with a simple answer.  I break it down in this episode.  "Darkness can only exist in the absence of light.  Light can only exist in the presence of darkness."

Unwrap Yourself

There is no smaller package than someone wrapped up in themself.   Unwrap yourself and be the gift that keeps on giving!  

You Have Never Walked in Their Shoes

There is no smaller package than a man wrapped up in himself.  We have become a society of self absorbed people.  We are quick to complain or criticize others if it disrupts our agenda.  However, we don't always know what that person may be going through.  We are all in this world together sharing the same struggles, so instead of being quick to point fingers we should be reaching a helping hand.    "And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in yo...

The Hazard of Being Handy

They say when we first enter Heaven we will see a replay of our lives.  Well there will be a lot of laughing when they roll mine!  This is a 100% true story of one of my brilliant ideas gone bad!  "Laugh at yourself and at life. Not in the spirit of derision or whining self-pity, but as a remedy, a miracle drug, that will ease your pain, cure your depression, and help you to put in perspective that seemingly terrible defeat... Never take yourself too seriously." Og Mandino

Live Like A Tourist

We are all just tourists here in this big ole Airbnb we call Earth.  This is not a permanent residence for any of us, so we don't have time to stay in on cloudy days.  We need to make the best of everyday rain or shine!  

Day One or One Day

Two words that can be arranged to hold opposite meanings.  Making Resolutions and setting goals are important, but we must take action on Day One and not One Day.   "Today is only one day in all the days that ever be, but what will happen in all the other days that ever come can depend on what you do today"  Ernest Hemingway

The Santa Experience (GONE WRONG)

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house EVERY creature was stirring even the DOG!  In this episode I share a Santa attempt that went bad, VERY BAD, but in the end was a successful mission delivering joy on Christmas morning.  

Silent Night

Wishing you a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS filled with tidings of great joy and peace.  

Don't Blink

Money can always be made, material things can always be gotten, but lost time can never be recovered.  In 20 years the only one who will remember that you worked late is your family.  A company will use your livelihood to balance their books.  It is up to you to use your time to balance your life!

Bring the Seed - Not the Need

Life was not designed to give us what we need.  It was designed to give us what we deserve.  We don’t reap a harvest in the fall because we want it, we reap a harvest in the fall because we plant the seeds in the spring and work diligently to grow it.  “We reap what we sow”

Flight NDE

Ever have a near death experience?  Bet you have and didn't even know it!  That's the best kind to have.  Think of the sleepless nights, heart palpitations and antacids we avoided.  Most of the stress and anxiety in our lives comes from things outside of our control, but in reality we are not really in control of most things.  We all have guardian Angels watching over us 24/7.  Most of the time, they have a thankless job because we don't even know when they take action to protect us.  Think ...

The Heart of a Dandelion

Have you ever wondered why a dandelion is considered an annoyance to a well kept lawn?  They are the brightest spot of a yard, but it doesn't fit in with the million blades of grass so we consider them a nuisance and try to eliminate them everytime they pop up.  Many people do the same thing in society and criticize anyone who doesn't fit the mold or goes outside of the lines.  We expect everyone to fit in as blades of grass, but beneath the curtain we are all as unique as a dandelion.   “A...

A Letter To Younger FULL VERSION

If you could write a letter to your younger self what would you say?  Would you offer caution and give directions for detours around the tough times?  I would not because it is those challenging times that made us who we are and built our character.  If we knew all of the difficulties and heartbreaks that lie in our paths ahead, we would never make the journey.  Life is hard, but worth living!

A Letter To Younger Me

If you could write a letter to your younger self what would you say?  Would you offer caution and give directions for detours around the tough times?  I would not because it is those challenging times that made us who we are and built our character.  If we knew all of the difficulties and heartbreaks that lie in our paths ahead, we would never make the journey.  Life is hard, but worth living! Listen to full episode at:  https://bluecollarexecutive.buzzsprout.com/

A Moon Pie and RC Cola

3 years, 75 episodes, 6,440,000 plays, 890 US cities, 55 counties and we’re just getting started!  Please join me in this episode as I celebrate with an RC Cola, Moon Pie, and some life perspectives.  

Better To Be Sorry Than Safe

Most people tiptoe through life to make it safely to death. The sad reality is that they will never reach their true destiny or achieve their dreams. Therefore by not taking risks we are risking more.   "Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go."   T. S. Eliot

12 Inches Away

Many spend their entire life searching for the answers never realizing they were always just 12 inches away. "At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want."  Lao Tzu

The Internal Identity and External Image Conflict

Many who achieved fame have struggled with maintaining an image that is not their true being at heart.  This creates an inner conflict that has led to drug abuse, mental illness, and even death.  It's not only the famous.  With the inception of social media it is becoming more of an issue.  This is a major contributor to the increase in anxiety, depression, and drug use in our young generation.   Trying to be anything other than who God made us to be will cause struggle and rob us from the ...

I Am There

I often receive requests to read poems, letters, and even eulogies.  However, I have never received one that touched me as this poem did.  It was sent to me anonymously and was exactly what I personally needed.  I did my very best to honor the beautiful words and hope it fills your heart as it did mine.   No matter what your beliefs are, none can deny there is a greater power within us, around us, and beyond us.  When asked who he was, Jesus simply answered "I am".  Not I was, or I will be,...

Chase Your Headlights

Many people will go to a job that they don't like tomorrow because it's what they did yesterday.  The only difference is that they will be two days older and have two days less to achieve their dreams.   Yesterday ended last night.  Make a move today that will put you a step closer to your goals tomorrow.  

Enjoy Every Sandwich

 Many people use New Year's Day as a new beginning for improving areas of their life.  The sad fact is 43%  fail before February, and almost one out of four quit within the first week of setting their New Year’s resolution. Most people quit before the end of January, and only 9% see their resolutions through until succession.   So, why do we set these lofty annual goals for ourselves?  We should make every day New "Day" Day!  We don't know what tomorrow holds, but we have an opportunity to ...

The Feeling of Christmas

Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas!  May your days be Merry and Bright!!!

It's Not About The Money

I may never know the true meaning of success, but I do know that it cannot be bought. “Try not to become a man of success. Rather become a man of value.” Albert Einstein

Agree to Disagree

We all have different opinions, thoughts, and ideas of how to get from point A to point B.  In the end, the only thing that matters is that we get there.  It is okay to be passionate about our perspective, but it is not okay to judge or be critical of those with opposing views.  In the words of the great Charlie Brown can’t we all just get along?!!! “We can agree to disagree, but we don’t need to be disagreeable.”  John Wooden The only thing about a man that is a man is his mind.  Everythi...

Agree to Disagree

We all have different opinions, thoughts, and ideas of how to get from point A to point B.  In the end, the only thing that matters is that we get there.  It is okay to be passionate about our perspective, but it is not okay to judge or be critical of those with opposing views.  In the words of the great Charlie Brown can’t we all just get along?!!! “We can agree to disagree, but we don’t need to be disagreeable.”  John Wooden The only thing about a man that is a man is his mind.  Everythi...

GROW Through What You GO Through

Life can be challenging and to succeed we must get a little dirt on us sometimes.  The determining factor between success and failure is whether we allow the dirt to bury us or provide nutrients for us to grow.  

When You're Going Through Hell Grab a Cab

 “If you’re going through hell, keep going,” is a quote attributed to Winston Churchill that has wisdom beyond its short appearance. Recognizing that it might currently feel like hell, but there is a future beyond it, helps us remember that pain is fleeting. It won’t be here forever, but neither will we, so keep going.  Unfortunately, many of us extend our stay because our we continue to struggle for control of things that are not within our power.  It is when we are in our lowest valleys th...

A Tornado Can Tear Apart and Bring Together

 On July 6, 2022 to a tornado ripped through my hometown and left a devastating aftermath in it's wake.  It tore apart structures, but it also brought the hearts of a community together.  I have seen the human spirt rally like I have never seen before.  People didn’t cry victim, rather they immediately rolled up their sleeves and went to work.  Reaching out and helping one another.   There were no judgements or discrimination, just a genuine outpouring of care and love for the fellow human b...

A Tornado Can Tear Apart and Bring Together

 On July 6, 2022 to a tornado ripped through my hometown and left a devastating aftermath in it's wake.  It tore apart structures, but it also brought the hearts of a community together.  I have seen the human spirt rally like I have never seen before.  People didn’t cry victim, rather they immediately rolled up their sleeves and went to work.  Reaching out and helping one another.   There were no judgements or discrimination, just a genuine outpouring of care and love for the fellow human b...

Pledge Of Allegiance

We live in the greatest nation on earth, but she can only retain that greatness if we continue the things that made her great:  Trusting God for guidance, staying true to the constitution that our forefathers gave us, and always pledging our allegiance. HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!!

Don't Quit Your Day Dream

We all have dreams and they are as unique to us as our fingerprints and DNA.  We are born with them in our heart and will die with them.  God placed them there, but the choice to manifest them and share with the world is ours.   Be a day dream believer and chase your dreams!  We are all chasing something in this life, so it might as well be our dreams!   “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for t...

Attitude Adjustment = Altitude Adjustment

Life is full of circumstances outside of our control, but how we handle those circumstances is always 100% within our control.  We are not affected by what we know or what happens to us, rather we are affected by how we feel about what we know and how we choose to handle it.  If we live our life with great expectations that is what we will get.  If we live our life in despair that is what we will get.  Every aspect of our life is gauged by our attitude.  Choose to be happy in spite of life's...

Stay Humble - Don't Be Humble

Growing up I was always confused when I heard the pastor talk about staying humble and striving to be all God created us to be.  Seemed to be a contradiction.  However, I have learned that staying humble doesn’t mean staying poor, weak, or meek.  Actually, it has nothing to do with the amount of success or wealth one achieves, rather it has everything to do with modesty that comes from understanding our place in the larger order of things.  Always knowing that no amount of success or riches ...

God Said, I Need a Farmer

A Dead Fish Can Float Down Stream

The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, not a lack of resources, but rather lack of will.   We have a growing culture in which a sense of entitlement is being instilled instead of a strong work ethic.   We were all created to be productive for one another.  Being lazy is not only the key ingredient for personal failure, but it is also disrespectful to those around you.   Life is too short to be lazy!  

A Dead Fish Can Float Down Stream

The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, not a lack of resources, but rather lack of will.   We have a growing culture in which a sense of entitlement is being instilled instead of a strong work ethic.   We were all created to be productive for one another.  Being lazy is not only the key ingredient for personal failure, but it is also disrespectful to those around you.   Life is too short to be lazy!  

Greatness Within Average

Greatness is not a rare magical thing that is only given to a chosen few.  Greatness exists in all of us!  Unfortunately, we often suppress it because we either don’t recognize it or we allow our environment to convince us that we cannot achieve it.  If we seek greatness, it will find us, and we just need to open the door and BE GREAT!  “Surround yourself with those who see greatness within you, even when you don’t see it yourself” Zig Ziglar

Til You Can't

The essence of life cannot be found in the minutes, hours, or days that we have. We all have a different amount of time and it isn't given to us for consumption, but for contribution.  As we look back at our journey, we will not see time, rather only the moments that we made along the way.  These are the steppingstones along our path that we leave for others to remember us by and follow.   Life is series of moments and the quality of attention we give each one determines the quality of our ...

A Lesson from Farmers and Old Dogs

The true definition of success is happiness and contentment.  This is what we all seek and it is right under our nose in every moment.  We struggle to find it because we have been conditioned to subconsciously always be in the next moment and discrediting the present one.  As if the next moment is more important than the one we are in.  The secret to achieving this can be learned from farmers and old dogs.......   If you are angry, you are focused on yesterday.  If you are worried, you are ...

Mindsight Over Eyesight

God gave every one of us gifts, hopes, and desires.  However, he left it up to us to open and use them.  He didn’t hide them.  They are right there in plain mindsight.  Our minds are the most powerful tools we have.  We can achieve great success if we put our mind to it or we can accomplish nothing if we put our mind to it.  The choice is ours!  I choose to unwrap every gift and pursue my dreams until I reach the last step of my journey.     "I may not be able to change the world I see arou...

Show Them Your Brokenness

It’s okay to be broken!  We all have brokenness, but we sometimes create more distress, sadness, and hurt for ourselves trying to hide it.  It’s okay to show others the chinks in our armor.  When we do we will not only help ourselves but may be surprised how we help others around us.   Let the world know the true you with your light shining through all the broken pieces.   “The wound is the place where the Light enters you.” Rumi

Show Them Your Brokenness

It’s okay to be broken!  We all have brokenness, but we sometimes create more distress, sadness, and hurt for ourselves trying to hide it.  It’s okay to show others the chinks in our armor.  When we do we will not only help ourselves but may be surprised how we help others around us.   Let the world know the true you with your light shining through all the broken pieces.   “The wound is the place where the Light enters you.” Rumi