Thoughts about my Jaycee career

The following is a repost from my Facebook Notes:

Recent news articles and personal and professional experiences have gotten me thinking about the impact the Jaycees have had on my life. It used to be publically honorable and desirable to be in the organization (not that it isn't honorable now, just not as well known). In fact, it was well known that bank execs were often telling their junior execs that if they really want to know how to get a head in the bank and the community, then join the Jaycees. From the Gas & Electric Co to the Telephone Company and the state legislature, the Jaycees were THE PREMIER leadership training organization. I would argue that they still are, if they are taken seriously and the membership grows both numerically and professionally (image wise).


Please allow me to reminisce.



As a Jaycee Chapter President, I took a chapter that had maybe 7-10 people out of 45 coming to meetings and resulted in a 60 member chapter, with 100% retention for the year and 25-30 people coming to meetings and getting involved. My RD, at the time, Ken Rich, was instrumental in encouraging me to continue in my JC career and he made a huge impact on my life as an encourager, as was my District director, Ken Moretz from Havre de Grace. 



Later, I took a Region that had been losing ground for 12 years and got it turned around with growth for the first time, being acknowledged as Region Director of the year. I helped start several new chapters and recruited well over150 Jaycees in my career as acknowledged by my plaques and awards (somebody else counted them, not me...). I was up for a national award as one of the top ten Regional Directors in the US. Part of the unwritten rule was those who show up to the national convention get the award, those who don't, won't. At the risk or threat of losing my job for going to the convention, I felt that the award represented the entire region's volunteer work, commitment and efforts for the year, and not just mine. So I went to the convention to represent the work of rejuvenated Jaycees of Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Harford and Cecil County. It turns out that we didn't receive the award and it was a struggle for the US JC Pres to make that decision. But my decision to go cost me my job, if not my career in the insurance business. Do I regret it? No, not on your life. It was one of those difficult, gut wrenching decisions that had to be made. After all, I was representing a large community. This was in the day when almost everything we did as Jaycees was in the local newspapers. It was as if we were assigned our own reporters (I truly think a few reporters were actually members). Many, many thanks to the outstanding District Directors at that time: Dave Bopst, Len Chapel, Steve Einig.


Actually, a different Jaycee decision is the one that cost me my job.  My boss was a Maryland State Senator at the time.  We had some serious employee issues and a mandatory meeting to go to.  Meanwhile I had received an invitation to go to the White House as a guest of Ronald Reagan.  I decided to go to Washington DC and forego the company required meeting.  At that time, it was unheard of for a 33 yr old to be invited to the WH.  It was an experience of a lifetime, and a decision, although fatal for my career, was one I do not regret.  I want to thank Jim Warren and Ed Stanley for getting me on that list.



I learned a valuable lesson back then. Region 4 had been worked on for years under the excellent leadership of Ken Rich and Jim France immediately preceeding my year as RD. They worked tirelessly at unifying and encouraging chapters and people in the region. At the first quarter board meeting in my year, all the other regions were kicking our behinds in just about every facet. But Bill, from Reisterstown, started cheering all the other region winners. Soon we began our cheering and eventually became the loudest cheering section for every award with "Hooray for them, Hooray for them..." The next quarter we won our first growth award and we continued to cheer for other region winners. When somebody from our region won an award, we went nutz! By the end of the year, we had significant growth and won "the Cup" for our enthusiasm. I have it to this day. We learned the power of developing unity, strength and energy can start by simply taking your eyes off yourself and cheering for the other person. Thanks for the valuable lesson, Bill.



I grew tremendously during my tenure as a Jaycee. I remember going to a Towson JC meeting and having to stand up and tell people my name. I was scared to death to do this...speak in front of other people! I was 23-24-25 at the time. I borrowed an old seer sucker suit from my father to go to the meetings. It was in the day where everybody at least wore a coat and tie (which I didn't own at the time). I volunteered for projects at the prompting of my friend, John Smyth. And took the direction he gave me as best I could. I was awarded the SPARKPLUG of the year for the Towson JCs, and I didn't even know what it was or how I got it! (Basically, rookie of the year within the chapter...about 200 members at that time). I started and ran an Individual Development project, the Baltimore County Prayer Breakfast, which continued for close to 25 years. And it received a national award. I saw a need in my community, and recognized that the Jaycees had a lot of energy and a systematic approach to running projects, so I approached them about the Prayer Breakfast, and it became a success. The first year, we had 450 people in attendance and drew out former US Senator Danny Brewster as our featured speaker. He told a story about rising to power in the US, then falling from grace, embarrassingly getting drunk and unruly in the White House, and how to live with his past, and seek forgiveness with God.



I had very little confidence in myself those years. It took growing up in the Jaycees for me to gain confidence (some might say cockiness) in myself and my abilities. One of the top recognition awards I received was being one of the Ten Outstanding Young Marylanders of 1988, awarded by the Governor. This organization was a lot of work, but I enjoyed it. I was asked to be the Executive VP under Lou Wanex. I really cherished this role. But I always preached having balance in your life. My youngest son, Danny, was born with Downs Syndrome, a major heart defect and had been in intensive care for 3+ months! I HAD to attend to my family needs and resigned my post as EVP. There were several JCs who either didn't understand or were too gung ho about the organization, that I received bitter criticism for my resignation. And for some odd reason, I was tagged with the label of being a quitter in certain circles. Nobody seemed to remember the accomplishments or the lives we affected during those years. I regret their remembrance of me in this light.



As I immersed myself into my family and career, I began to have one bad career experience after another. It wasn't until I had been painting for a while that I ran into another old JC who was promoting involvement in the PDCA, the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America. I saw him at a booth at a Pro-Show at a Duron Paint store. While everyone was dressed in whites, he was the only one dressed in a coat and tie. Needless to say, he stood out. Mike Miller encouraged me, much like John Smyth, to get involved in the PDCA. But since I had been working out of my family vehicle and was unlicensed, I didn't have the confidence or money to join. I went to a meeting and was introduced to several other contractors. Most of them were commercial contractors. In fact only two other people were residential painting contractors. I found out I was grossly under pricing my services and didn't understand how to develop my price. It took a while, but I researched my expenses and reconfigured my prices to what I really needed as a business. It took me 9 months to finally join, since I didn't have enough money to afford the dues at the time. I learned about business from my friends in the PDCA, while finding the Jaycee influence all around me in the organization. Both Mike Miller (former Md Jaycee EVP) and Bruce Hall (former Md Jaycee State Pres) were in leadership positions and influencing PDCA in ways I understood.



I eventually returned to the Jaycees after finding out that my good friend and school pal, Jim France, was going to be the next Md JC President. I offered him my help and he took me up on it! I had been gone from the organization for several years and there were only a few people left from "my glory days" in the organization. And they were happy to see me back. Jim was the Region Director immediately prior to my RD success, and I must acknowledge that it was he and Ken Rich who set me up for success that year. I felt I owed Jim a lot. He told me he needed someone to become the State Community Development VP. I agreed after some apprehensions that nobody knew me or who I was. Working with Jim was a real pleasure. It was great seeing the old Jaycees and getting back in the swing of things. One thing bothered me, however. And that was the fact that recruiting new members became an embarrassment and nobody seemed to know how to do it. There actually were apologies from one particular former state president for concentrating on membership drives. So membership became almost a dirty phrase and nobody seemed to notice. It seemed like the old Jaycees way had died. And I can almost pin-point it on a few individuals and their ill-forsaken influence.



One of the things I noticed while and when I was outside the world of Jaycees was that the world just didn't notice them as much, nor did they give them as much credence as a leadership training organization. There was a time when I walked into the state house in Annapolis with my daughter's grade school class trip, that the Governor, the Attorney General and several delegates and senators were former Jaycees. In fact it was almost embarrassing as I was walking with my daughter's class to have several of them say hi to me by name. Now, you have to explain to the same group of legislators who the Jaycees are. The current status of the Jaycees as a recognizable force in leadership development is appalling to me. My training tought me to believe, "If it's gonna be, it's up to me." And this particular time, I took it upon myself to promote the Jaycees where ever I went. I thought it curious that not many former Jaycees (those who "rooster out" at the age of 40) ever touted the value of their Jaycee involvement and training. But I was not going to be one of those people. I am proud of the influence the JCs have had on me and my growth and maturity. I have promoted the Jaycees at BNI presentations, Chamber Presentations, PDCA training and speeches I have given through out this country.



Within the PDCA, I went on the eventually become the Sr VP of the PDCA nationally, one of the 5 officers on the Executive Committee, using my Jaycee experience to its fullest. I continued to promote concepts they had in developing leaders, and organizing chapters and promoting involvement. Perhaps these techniques are outdated, but I have continued to promote these Jaycee precepts as workable concepts. I used my Jaycee experience in helping to develop, understand and communicate new by-laws for the PDCA. I used real back-room negotiating techniques and concepts I learned in the Jaycees on getting the by-laws to pass. And I used the speaking techniques learned in the Jaycees to give speeches through out the country, at various council conventions. I also have been able to see, with clear vision, the path that an organization must take to be effective and growing. I have continued to use and actively promote the Jaycees where ever I go.



I have already been down the street from death (not necessarily at its door step) with being on the transplant list for a new heart. And I have, by the grace of God, recovered and gotten off that list through new medical break throughs. I have reflected on my life and seen that although I was a Jaycee from the age of 24-40, I continue to be a Jaycee in spirit, realizing that we must all move on from that organization to have an impact on the rest of the world. To be awarded a JCI Senatorship would be the ultimate honor to hold from the organization I so dearly love and endear myself to. But there is no more Bel Air Jaycee chapter or Region 4 in existence. And while I understand that by admitting the desire of this honor, may, by itself appear to be less than honorable, the deep desire to be one remains. There have been far more people who have far lesser JC accomplishments and continued promotional impact who are JCI Senators; I feel cheap by admitting this. So please forgive me. I remain imperfect, ready for new developments and personal growth.



I am excited that this year, 2009, they are seeing growth in the organization. And I would hope that all other organizations out there would recognize the impact trained Jaycees have. From proper project management skills, to public speaking skills, to community contacts, the Jaycees should be a more recognized organization than they are. I only wish the alumni of the organization would speak up and promote them. I believe they are a factor in the rebuilding of this country and the economy.



I truly wish that I could demand that my kids join the Jaycees for experience, fun and personal growth. My father said that he "grew up" and matured in the Army. I say that I "grew up" and matured in the Jaycees.

Being part of something big gives 'Extreme' volunteers plenty of energy despite little sleep

Here's what I've been working on for the last week. Just recruiting painting contractors to start Thursday night at 10pm through the morning.

Being part of something big gives 'Extreme' volunteers plenty of energy despite little sleep

The Pearl of Africa: July 11th - Kampala Bombing

The Pearl of Africa: July 11th - Kampala Bombing

I pray for the people in Uganda and all those who are there to win hearts to Christ as missionaries.

I'm tired just thinking about it

Somehow, I got myself into helping out the recruitment of painting contractors for the ABC show, Extreme Home Makeover, being filmed here in Baltimore this week.

I've been on the phone calling contractors to fill a need of another 20-25 painters needed for Monday might between 7pm and 9am, Tuesday.  I'm getting a little older and not sure how I can handle this schedule.  I recently painted a tavern in Fells Point and did the graveyard shift that that gig.  It was brutal and each day cost me a total of three.  One to get ready, one during the actual day, and one to recuperate.

Couple this with being Treasurer of a political campaign for Tom Morgan, who is running for Maryland House of Delegates, District 5B;
added to being Treasurer of the Reagan Republican Club;
added to being President of the Pine Vally-Valleywood Community Association;
active in Republican circles;


all while recovering from surgery and preparing to re-enter culinary school (this time going during the day from September through December);
all the while trying to redefine my career and do some painting jobs to bring in a little cash.
Also taking care of my mother-in-law, who is close to being bed ridden; and maintaining two houses...
is all a little bit overwhelming when I list it all out.

And sometimes I think I don't have enough to do!

Mobile Grilled Cheese Truck Gains Success in LA - QSR Magazine

I've been looking for a way to get into the food business, given my experience in culinary school.  Actually, this is something I would love to do!  If I only had the money and backing to get started.

  

Mobile Grilled Cheese Truck gains success in LA - QSR Magazine