Doors Opening, Doors Closing
- Post By: Greg Crumpton
- Date:
- Category: Blog
For the better part of two months now, I have had this thing, this notion, this almost obsession with doors opening and doors closing for some folks. Me, my family, my friends, you name it, I am seeing it all right now. Not really sure what prompted me to become so aware of the situations, but I sure do like it.
12 years… that’s how long Shonda Ruland was my faithful, daily business partner at AirTight. Shonda wasn’t an equity owner in the business, but she sure ran her team and the operations of the company as well as any partner would have. Starting as a Roof Top HVAC Condenser Coil Cleaner, she had literally done every job at AirTight, with the exception of the acronyms; AP, AR, TAX, etc.
The day came when Shonda said she needed to focus on her family and was leaving us to go
do so. “Was that a door opening or a door closing?” I asked myself. Without much delay, I quickly said BOTH, closing and opening. My core team of AirTight veterans seemed a bit surprised when I said just that during our annual planning meeting. Shonda built such a strong bench that she did exactly what many leaders “say they want to do” and yet so few deliver. She worked herself right out of a job. By developing the talent within our Production Team, we were ready for the transition.
While I won’t say that they won’t miss the Shonda days, the AirTight Production Team has taken on a new feel and a new direction headed by Kate Wehner, an 8 year pro in her role with us. Door opening: Meet Suzy. No, not her real name. We were introduced to Suzy by a customer who really understands the uniqueness of AirTight, and with Suzy making some changes, thought she would be a great fit with AirTight.
Suzy had decided that she didn’t want to stay in a personal relationship that wasn’t much fun, and had come to the realization that she had a keen eye and mind for the types of things we do. Doors are swinging, opening & closing. She is willing to forgo a 15 year career in one aspect of life and totally start fresh due to a door opening for her. With the freedom of becoming unencumbered in her personal world, now she can slowly swing that door closed on her former career.
Meet Ted: Ted is an awesome man. Believes in God, country and family. He works hard but just couldn’t find his perfect niche locally. Ted had an outstanding career in another part of the country, came to Charlotte, did rather well, and worked for some nice companies. Doors are always swinging open for the hard working, smart and dedicated. A big door opened for Ted in December, and he found the fit that had eluded him. That’s what he says, not me, and he seems to be as happy as a lark. What did that do? It allowed yet another door to swing open for the team at the firm Ted left. No ill will, no harsh feelings: Just the “fit” that we all enjoy once identified and found.
Last note: Meet my friend “Beth.” Once a safety officer for a company AirTight was working for, Beth was a stern leader of the proper safety programs that her company required, and therefore enforced firmly. Day one, I wondered if Beth and I were on the same page. She was almost in a spot that prevented us from being able to complete our project. We estimated as normal, developed plans, a schedule, etc. Everything was great, then I heard the words from the Purchase Order writer – those words: Meet Beth. Our old door to getting in early and getting out quickly closing.
I asked Beth for a quick chat, told her how we estimated the project, assumptions that we made that were not negated by anyone and assured her of our desire to send all our people home every night in good shape with no injuries. She understood the dilemma, helped guide us, worked with us and ultimately made the job a success for all.
You ask, what does this have to do with anything? Beth now, finally found her fit. She is part of a big sustainable organization. She gets to work with contractors, building owners and engineers to provide healthy buildings and sustainable plans for the properties in the future. The door completely opened for her, harnessing the skills she learned while working with contractors, which at the end of the day, want to do a super job.
Summarizing thought: When you experience the trials and tribulations that life can dish out, understand it’s normal. Understand everyone goes through the tough spots. Maybe there’s more demand than supply in your cash flow. Maybe an employee sucked up your knowledge and went into competition against you. Maybe the kids never seem to “get it.” Whatever it is, remember that the door is always swinging.
Which way are you pushing it? Open or closed? Only you decide.
