Example

Francis

The sunrise compliments of Clement Charles LLC

Example

Francis

Once I was a CEO, of several companies over the course of my career. Companies in trouble hired me to fix their problems. Eventually I went out on my own, becoming an independent rep scouring North American, looking for cash. The Mexican Company I represented were the finest bunch of people I’ve ever met. We had our problems with quality, not in their literally art worthy printing (like for Hartz Mountain USA), but bad bag making was an issue. So, we shipped that to a local contractor in the US who could warehouse and sort out mistakes.

For the bulk of my career, I helped companies become better. I did this by finding out what we did best and then relentlessly pursued this on the road with my salespeople. When in the office (I spent half the time on the road – I had to see and listen to the customer) I’d get there before anyone else, including the president, who showed at five AM on the last one. I’d also be the last to leave.

My modus operandi was to out work everyone and spend as much time as I could with them during the jobs listening to what they had to go through. Then I became their cheerleader. Some were tougher than others, but they all gave me a grand send off when I went on the next mission. I accomplished my ‘turn-a-rounds’ not by cutting cost but by increasing sales. I learned on the first one my role was:

Be the servant always. Never become a ‘master’.

People never worked for me. They worked with me. I may have been in charge, but they were the engine, the front lines in a very completive world. I had to lay off only one soul through four companies and they were thrilled. That company in Dallas was a poor fit for them.

All my life I have led as a servant. Whether it was for those I worked with or my family, I lived and liked to serve and make others happy. I think a lot (or most) of this has to do with my Irish Franciscan Catholic parents and heritage. Two uncles who were Franciscan priests helped a lot. Nothing better than a Franciscan.

So, when this ‘new’ pope came on board twelve years ago, I quickly became enamored! Here was a fellow ‘conspirator’! I found myself with a ‘like’ mind, as a friend and Papa. Prioritize the poor and marginalized, snuff out corruption.

His death gave me cause for joy! (After the sadness.) Now I know I can talk with Him daily, for surely this servant of the poor is now Home with Him. And as C.S. Lewis said, “Heaven is all around us. We just can’t see it yet.”

What and incredible example for humanity he was. Perhaps one of the best in centuries. So, I will remember him in brotherly and fatherly love. I pray his works continue for one reason…

That we love Him and every other single human being.

clement

fishtownproductions.com… clementcharles.org… clementcharles.substack.com

The Sunset Galway Bay, compliments of Clement Charles LLC