We run at a hectic pace, but I am putting this message up as a reminder and a heart-felt thank you. Sunday is Mother’s Day – so if you haven’t done something special yet, as we say in our business “Open Late ‘til the last customer is served.” When I think of my mom the words that quickly come to mind are caring, loyal, patient, mentoring – the fact is words hardly seem sufficient for all she has done much less put up with. So Mom, Happy Mother’s Day and I will be the first to admit I couldn’t have done it without you.

That closing phrase, “couldn’t have done it without you”, is very much on my mind when I think of special people like my mom and of course, the people I work with. A couple of days ago I was working late preparing to hit the road for dealership visits. The twilight coming through the windows was a sign the sun was down and 7 o’clock had come and gone. I took a quick trip through the office to see if anyone was still at their desk, and there were – including our newest intern. I tip my hat to the intern and whoever saw fit to bring them into the office. That kind of dedication on Day 1 is a bonus.

Moments later I was walking though the kitchen area and saw a poster on the wall. The header in bold print read “Volunteering with Strong”. Our staff is initiating a program to encourage employees to volunteer their time to two local charities – I tip my hat to our staff. And the quotation that was under the headline told it all: “Volunteers aren’t paid because their worthless, but because they are priceless!”

Priceless – that’s the word I’m closing on because Moms, hard-workers and caring people are exactly that. Take a moment to walk through your office, your showroom, the parts and service area and give your priceless people a word of thanks because there is no doubt, you wouldn’t be where you are without them.