Nobility Under Attack

I am always intrigued by stories of human triumph. Stories where men or women win out when it seemed hopeless. Usually these are stories in the sports world, sometimes in the business world, occasionally triumph over odds that would keep them down and out.

Rarely do we get to witness these stories. I've seen it a couple of times, been close and marveled at the strength and courage, the sheer determination of someone who won't quit, who won't blink. who refuses to compromise their values or personal dignity. I find these people noble, an old world we don't use much anymore.

But I have a friend that has been out of work for 2 years. He is a very bright guy. He served as the COO of the company I worked for in Los Angeles. He took a company that was on the verge of bankruptcy, and in the space of a year took the company from extinction to showing a 5% profit. He revamped the distribution model, he solidified the relationships with the foreign factories, and he negotiated a new financing arrangement that gave the company security and stability for the following two years, all the while eliminating the need for the owner's personal guarantee. And for all his work he was summarily fired, robbed of his bonus, and turned out, just as the economy took the worst turn in decades.

In the past two years he has lost his home, his cars, his credit, out-lived his unemployment benefits. He and his wife have postponed health care and needed health procedures because they have no money, no credit, no resources. Yet through all this he has worked his network as faithfully as anyone I have ever seen. He has followed up on every lead, developed numerous business plans, and has by and large kept his sense of humor.

Now when it is likely that the investment funds he needs to start the company he has dreamed of for several years is near at hand, he is trying to develop a company that takes care of his employees, is fair to anyone coming on board. We talk a lot. Our version of business is remarkably similar. We share a strong bond, I'm not sure why. The guy doesn't even play golf. But I think what draws me to him is the sense of decency he has, it is noble because he could be incredibly selfish at this point and no one would blame him. Somehow he has maintained his sense of who he is through this trying time.

So here is my best good wishes to him.
Godspeed, Larry hang in there.
Don