You Never Know

Posted 8/1/2008
By Wayne Greider

It's been six years since I sold my repair facility. After 21 years in business it was time to move on to the next phase of my life. I now teach the next generation of technicians at the NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville, N.C.

I received a phone call the other day from a former employee. It's been approximately 10 years since I've spoken to Rob. He came to work for me around 1996, shortly after his father died suddenly at a young age. At only 18 or so, Rob had some very difficult days from time to time.

I trained him as an apprentice. He began by doing oil changes and basic maintenance. He then worked his way into simpler remove-and-replace work. He worked for me for a year or so before moving on to another job in the auto repair field.

Rob got my phone number from a mutual friend and called to let me know he had opened his own repair facility, purchased a house and was engaged to a wonderful woman. He also wanted to thank me for what I did for him all those years ago. He applied what I had taught, which enabled him to become successful.

I don't recall doing anything special for Rob, other than try to understand the difficult time he was having. I may have been more flexible with his schedule during that time. Considering everything he was going through, it didn't seem like that big of a deal to show him a little extra compassion.

Do we understand what impact we have on the people we meet every day? Employees, students and co-workers come and go over the years, but what impression do we leave on them? We set examples for our family and friends, but what about all of the other people we come into contact with every day?

We have good and bad days, but what happens when someone looks to us as the example? Can we afford to have a bad day, week or month that might affect someone for the rest of their life? Who is to say what day we will make a difference in someone's life? Are you prepared to be the good example every day?

None of us became successful without help or advice from someone else. The conversation with Rob made me think: Is there someone we have met during our career who we need to thank? Now I tell my students they should always be prepared to meet the person who could change their lives; unfortunately you never know what day or who it will be.

I guess I just never thought it would be me.

Do you have someone you need to call?

Wayne Greider is an instructor at the NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville, N.C. He can be reached by e-mail at WGreider@uticorp.com.