What I learned from an amateur MiG 15 fighter pilot.
I’ve known my friend for over a decade now. The first time I
ever talked to him I thought he was funny and abrasive. He wasn’t anything
special, just the “idiot that installs the fixtures”. Over the next decade, I
discovered he is a highly educated aeronautical engineer, a self made
multi-millionaire, owner of exotic cars, planes, properties, and loads of life
experiences.
My friend came to me after about six years of working
together and asked me what I was listening to on my laptop. The answer, John Butler Trio, an Australian
pop/rock band intrigued him. Where had I learned of them? Where did I get my
musical tastes (very eclectic). Where did I go to school? What do you mean you
never went to school?
His incredulity was flattering. He couldn’t fathom that a
fellow like me: articulate, funny, smart, and well spoken, had not been
formally educated. He then offered to back any business venture I brought to
him which met his narrow profile of viability. He respected me. Me.
Me?
I was taken a bit aback. I had always assumed I wasn’t that
special. My wife told me other wise but, let’s be honest, she also thinks I’m charming
and attractive. Obviously her taste and judgment are highly suspect.
Now that I’m at BYU-Idaho, I am doing relatively well. I
still work full time (around 60 or more hours weekly) travelling the United
States building data centers and pharmacies. I still work homeschooling my four
children, sometimes coaching baseball and softball, sometimes working “side
hustles”, and now taking three classes at a time. I see her point.
Being willing to work hard, every day, even when you don’t
need to is what keeps you young, connected and successful. Someday, I hope I’ll
just be the “idiot who installs the computers.”
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