I was at the courthouse today and ran into my former boss, the guy that gave me a chance so many years ago. I was 18 years old with no real direction. I tried roofing. nope.....hated it!
We talked for a while like I had walked into the office, like I did every morning for him throughout the 1990's. We talked about this, that, and the other oh and surveying.
Thanks Richard J Prine for the opportunity. Was it not for his mentorship it is hard to tell where I would be today. I doubt I would be a business owner and county surveyor (he was county surveyor for over 20 years. He didn't run and I believe is the only reason I was elected) and everything I have to give him credit for making it possible and giving me a chance in surveying.
I had a child on the way and was in desperate need of a job. I bugged him to death at drill. We were both in the National Guard. He gave me a chance and I made sure I did him a good job for that chance he didn't have to give me.
I love being a business owner but sincerely miss working for him. He is a genuinely great person.
While we were in the courthouse a woman approached us and asked if Rick would do a survey for her. He said no I don't do property surveys anymore but this gentleman used to work with me (he didn't say for) and he is who you need to talk to. Made me feel good.
I had a great start in surveying with an awesome boss.
There are a few of my mentors still around.
By chance, just a year or so ago, I ran into my first PC. I held the door open for him at the Medical Center while his wife wheeled him in. It was good to see him.
Your post has made me think I need to take a day trip and go visit the other two that are still with us. Thanks for the suggestion. 😉
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The world needs more gratitude! Good for you!
John, that's a cool story. Thanks for sharing.
N
As the man once said, what a long, strange trip it's been.
It is always good to touch base with someone who helped you out in the past, when you can look them in the eye and both of you know it was a symbiotic relationship, where you gave as good as you got.
I have a good friend who I worked with back in 1990, for about 7 months. We have stayed in contact, have hired each other from time to time as the ebb and flow of business has allowed, and who I try to call at least once a week.
The flip side is the guy we both worked for, was the first guy to hire me in surveying. For some reason when I left that company, he got a really bad attitude about it, even though he was the one who didn't follow through about my pay rate. I liked the company, loved the work, but just couldn't afford to stay and left for a better paying job. He didn't take it well at all.
I can agree that not enough can be said to express gratitude about our true mentors, the surveyors that took us under their wing and actually taught and allowed us to become surveyors ourselves.
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