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Hello, everyone and thank you for tuning in and listening to the introduction of a blue collar executive podcast in 1994 I tied a tie for my first time. I put a dress jacket on for my first time, and I set at my first executive meeting. I remember looking around the room, and it was obvious that I didn't fit the mold so that even and I call it home. And I told my dad I was like a John Deere tractor and 1/2 acre filled and I realized I didn't belong. Told him I was packing it in heading back home. My dad was never one of those Mike Brady type dad's. He didn't give you that warm and fuzzy fatherly advice. It's dead. Dad would just always say what was on his mind, so he kind of just grumbled a response and said, I hate a quitter. Before I could respond, he said, More net. I hate a fake person. So I paused for a minute and said, What do I do with that dad? He said, Well, don't be either one. So I got up the next morning and not want to let dad down, I decided to just start being me and see where it takes me. Well, here I am, a lot of years later, still tying on the tie and slipping on the jacket when I need to. Anyone who has ever worked with me will tell you I'm not the most polished executive in the room. Certainly not the most politically correct. But, you know, I can honestly say I've never swayed from my roots. I've never checked my morals at the door. And what you see is what you get. No, I didn't take the traditional path an executive level with higher education. Instead, I made it to the boardroom table with blue collar roots. So I thought I'd share some of these life lessons that have helped me along my journey. I wrote a book a few years back, but never published it because Well, after reading it, I realized writing really wasn't my thing. On the other hand, however, I was given the gift to Gabby, so I thought I'd share some of the chapters out of my book and other experiences in a weekly podcast. Well, here it is. Thank you. Forgive another. Listen, I really hope you enjoy it. If you don't, that's okay to just don't tell me