Who am I?

Well. It’s been a while. I’m busy trying to fine tune my writing and how I get my point across. I’m trying to not only be interesting but also answer questions you may have as you read. But I feel like I need to write a little something just to keep my mojo going so to speak. 

My whole life I've questioned who I want to be. I’ve questioned who I am as a man, a husband, a father and my profession. 

I’ve certainly failed in those areas. Every one of them. I’ve made many mistakes as a man, luckily enough there’s been forgiveness. As a husband, well I’m married for the second time. I’m doing much better this time around. As a father, well it’s been a ride and I’m far from perfect but I have 4 wonderful children who I’m extremely proud of. As a profession, that’s been the longest road. I’ve tried more things than I care to list because it would be longer than Santa’s naughty or nice list. The one thing I seem to keep going back to is managing stores. Mostly clothing, ran my own restaurant for a while and now I’ve landed managing candy stores. Not gonna lie, it’s a lot of fun. I think I take the most pride in my staff. Developing them, supporting them, watching and helping them grow. 

At the end of the day I still feel like there’s something missing. My lifelong dream has always been to be a firefighter. I hear sirens down the street and the hair on my neck stands up every time. It’s not a hero thing either. I’d rather not have to do anything EMS wise, I just want to fly down the street in the fire truck and throw a ton of water on the fire and put it out. Save a building or someone’s home. 

My grandpa was a volunteer firefighter. So was my dad. Clearly it was in my blood. 

Now I guess you’re asking why did I never take the plunge. Well I had the application form filled out once. For a volunteer firefighter. Part of it was my first wife didn’t really want me to do it. Full time that is. Being a dad with a young family she was worried about my safety and I understand that and don’t hold that against her. Part of it was confidence. I never used to have much of that. 

Do I regret never sending in that application. No. But that doesn’t mean I don’t still wish I did once upon a time. 

I’m 45. In my eyes that’s too late to start the firefighter dream. But I’ll never stop dreaming. 

The one thing I’ve been “gifted” with is my ability to talk. Sometimes my way out of trouble but mostly just talking to people. It’s a huge part of my job to my customers and my staff. My bosses don’t always understand but my proof is my relationship with my customers and staff and that’s all the validation I need. 

With all of my experiences in my past and present I think that’s what’s turned me on to inspirational speaking. Hopefully it takes me somewhere. Hopefully I can make a difference in someone’s life and inspire them to grab their dream before they’re 45! 

For now I’m gonna grab the hose and take a drink! 

In this photo kneeling is my dad and second from the right is my grandpa serving on the Altona fire dept together.