Day 26- Role Models

I have heard people in the last decade wonder who will be role models for the next generation. I don’t have an answer that probably appeals to the masses. Only an answer for who my role models are. And it is because of these role models that I know that business can be done a different way and people can be treated well and with compassion. Despite our economy and ENRON and all the blame that goes around, there are visionaries right now who are making business work in a way that would have been unheard of in the 80’s and early 90’s.

Most obviously for me is Howard Schultz, creator of Starbucks as we know now and the current ceo(sic). I had no idea what I was getting into the day I stepped into the Chicago Starbucks Corporate Headquarters in January of 2004. As I waited in the lobby for my first interview I picked up Howard’s book, Pour Your Heart Into It. And then, as a Starbucks “partner” (employee), I really got to know Howard. He spoke to us through the store computers on a regular basis, giving us updates and sharing his vision. You will notice that I didn’t capitalize ‘ceo’. At Starbucks, job titles are not capitalized. Honestly, I could write a five page essay on all of the things that Howard does as a fellow human being and business person that sets him apart. Many things the general public don’t even know. Like how Starbucks purchases the most Fair Trade coffee in the world. Or about the clinics and schools that Starbucks puts in third world countries. But mostly, I am interested in Howard’s values of treating people with dignity and respect and his commitment to quality. I have personally seen him speak at the last four Starbucks Shareholder meetings in Seattle and I have always been moved by who he is as a person. If you ever get the chance to read one of his books or to see him speak, do. And then I want to hear about it.

Another role model for me goes back to my Mary Kay days. Mary Kay Ash was a huge pioneer for both business and, most notably, women. Her God First, Family Second, and Career Third philosophy is pretty gutsy for her time and ours. I am not really interested in the religious particulars. I am more interested in the guts that it takes a business owner to stick their neck out for their personal beliefs knowing that they may be misunderstood or unappreciated by many. She also knew how women wanted to be treated- with compliments and prizes. By making them feel important. As a single mother in the 60’s, Mary Kay Ash began her empire. She is truly inspirational.

Locally, I really look up to Kevin Pechacek, advisor to WeatherVane Creamery and owner of the WestWind Supper Club and River Valley Catering. Just yesterday, I was asking him about the free Christmas buffet at WestWind that took donations for the River Falls Free Clinic. Christmas Day is the only day that the WestWind is traditionally closed during the year. Not this year. And from working with Kevin over the past six or so months, I know him to be generous, genuine, and compassionate. He is also a very smart businessman and earns every penny that he takes in. He is very sharp and other people around town use him as an example of how to do business. He also is a founding member of a charity in South America that is important to his family. He also is continuously giving back to his community in the form of donations and other things. For WeatherVane Creamery, Kevin is very generous with his time and wisdom.

Otherwise, my other role models are people like Timothy Ferriss, Napolean Hill, Dale Carnegie, Zig Ziglar, etc. There is something for us all to learn from these inspirational and innovative men. There was an AM radio station in Chicago called Motivational Radio or something and I loved it.

I am grateful for these role models in a world where people ask who the role models are. Who are yours?