The Importance of Mentors

You hear the word “influencer” a lot these days. But don’t confuse an influencer with a mentor. A mentor requires the development of a real, in-person relationship. Mentors have a profound impact on your life. You see things in them that you admire and respect. Qualities that you want to integrate into your life.

I have been blessed to have some incredible people come into my life at critical times in the development of my personal and work self. I have tried to take a piece of these people and carry them with me throughout my life.

My Dad - No, I didn’t get my fashion sense from my Dad. Worst hat of all time! However, my father taught me about integrity. Purity of motivation and always doing what is right, not just what is right for you. He is a hard guy to live up to, because he was the most selfless person I have ever known.

Bill Fenton - Pictured on the left, Mr. Fenton was my first boss when I worked at Fenton Art Glass in my hometown of Williamstown. The company existed for over 100 years. Bill was a kind, loving person who proceeded with caution. Although I didn’t appreciate it at the time, he taught me to really think things through before making a decision. He had a quote that I hated at the time, but have loved more and more all the time. “All things are easier to get into than get out of.”

Dave Arnold - Dave was a founding owner of Class VI River Runners operating on the New and Gauley rivers in southern West Virginia. He and his partners created a fabulous business, while maintaining a “tribal” culture of loyalty and friendship. I learned patience from Dave. He taught me that you cannot force change, but rather you need to create an environment for things to change organically.

Cecil Childress - Cecil was the general manager at the Lafayette Hotel and then the Blennerhassett Hotel. We served on several boards together and became good friends. When he first came to town, he told me he needed to determine “who he wanted to stand beside.” I always liked this idea of being intentional about your partnerships. Let’s face it, people make assumptions about us based on who our friends are, who we associate with, and who are our partners.

Tom Crooks - I worked for Tom for over 15 years. Tom was the founder and co-owner of Stonewall Group, a full-service marketing agency in Marietta, Ohio. Tom taught me most everything I know about marketing. I always loved pitching new business with Tom. I learned from Tom to be successful, you need to master your craft. Be an expert in your discipline if you expect the same of others.

Hannah Paramore Breen - My friend Hannah is a force of nature. She is a dynamic speaker, constant learner, and inspiring leader. I worked for Hannah’s company in Nashville for 3 years. I was the old guy in a world of young techies, but I learned so much from them and I hope they learned something from me. Hannah taught me to know your business. She knew the numbers of the business backwards and forwards. The numbers guided her decisions and she always kept the best interests of the company as the #1 priority.

My wife, Nikki Butler - My wife is a great listener. She is quiet and takes in all the information before taking a stance. She is calm and does not allow her emotions to get the best of her. She reminds me of my father in that way. We all would be better served to talk a little less and listen a little more.

My Children - I am blessed with four good kids and 2 amazing grandsons. Note: Grand kids are the best! One thing that having kids has certainly taught me is how little control I have over their lives. Tough concept sometime for a parent. However, what I have learned is that I have total control over my actions and reactions. I have learned that it is not my job to fix their problems, but to support them as they figure things out for themselves. I know I need to keep my mouth shut a little more, my wallet closed a little more, and my ears and heart open, always.