It’s been a while since I have written about my training company so you are all fortunate enough to read about its progress this week. I will start by telling you it has definitely been an experience trying to get some momentum for this business. There are times it’s been extremely frustrating. I have talked several times about this with my Mother-In-Law Berna Deane. We have decided God must be trying to teach me patience. “Evidently, he knows I’m a slow learner,” I’ve told her.
I will start by talking about the North Dakota Implement Dealer Association. I cannot say enough good things about their incredible staff. They have been extremely helpful, and I especially want to thank Megan Birner for all her assistance. I am in the process of putting together some parts and service workshops for the NDIDA dealers in June. I am also working with the Far West Dealer Association to see if we can put together some area training workshops for their dealers. I am using this opportunity to travel to Phoenix next week to talk to three different dealer groups. I am also excited to spend time with Quinn, Kellie, Easton, Azme, and Boston Elzinga. Or as I like to call them, my Arizona Peeps!
Last week, I had a phone conversation with a gentleman from a training college in the Midwest, and we are putting together a two day customer service workshop sometime in March. I am not at liberty to identify the college until the details are finalized, but it’s looking very positive. I am also working with another colleague to provide parts training for a company that has eight Kenworth dealerships. I have a very positive feeling about the advancement of my training company for 2019.
There have been many times that I have been very discouraged about the amount of time this progress has taken. It has been hard to keep a positive attitude. But every time I start to feel that way, I think about the big picture. I am reminded that with every challenge, there is a lesson that I need to learn. I am positive the lesson I needed to learn that with this delay in the training, it has allowed me to dedicate more time to the Foundation. It has enabled me to focus on helping the people I am supposed to be helping. I have some very special people in my life that have always been there to support me and remind me of this lesson. I want to thank you for everything you have done for me. I want to thank my Angel Shannon for the strength and guidance she gives me. I will always LOVE AND MISS YOU sweetheart.
Next week: Super Bowl LIII
P.S. When I first started my training company, some of my customers/friends said, “Do you really think you should be teaching customer service?” My reply is “It’s like my basketball coaching – Do as I say, not as I do!”