Stuff that matters -- Tim Dumler

Friends,

One of my favorite books is 212 degrees, the extra degree by Sam Parker and Mac Anderson.  It stays on my desk at all time and when times get really hard, I read it with total focus.

The story of Tim Dumler is one that I want to share with you.

"In 1991, when Successories hired Tim Dumler as a corporate account manager; he shared his goal of becoming number in the company with his manager, Neil Sexton.  But Neil, quiet frankly, had serious doubts that Tim could make it through the first month, much less be number one.

Neil's first two interviews with Tim were conducted over the phone, and he passed those with flying colors.  But when Neil met Tim for the first time, he was shocked when Tim told him he was legally blind.  He began to lose his sight when he was in the third grade from a rare disease called macular degeneration.  Tim acknowledged he world have problems entering orders into the computers, but he had a possible solution.  He told Neil about a machine that he could hook up to magnify the letters on the screen to two inches high.  Tim was willing to buy it if could have the job.

After the conversation, Neil came to my office and explained the situation.  I said, "Neil, let's give him a chance."

We grossly underestimated Tim's passion and determination.  Even though it took him much longer to enter the orders, Tim made it work.  He came in early.  He worked late.  Whatever it took, he did it.

In 1991, Tim's first year; he was number one out of ten experienced corporate sales reps, with over $500,000 in sales.  In 1994, he was number one again with $700,000, and again in 1997 with $950,000 in sales.  His customers loved him because when you can't see you become a great listener. His peers loved him because of his caring, positive attitude.

I asked him one time, 'Tim, how do you stay so positive?'  He said, 'Mac, it's unfortunate that I am visually impaired, but I have to tell you that fighting through the adversity has made me a better person.  I have come to realize that I have a lot more than I don't have.  I love my family, my work, and the people I work with.  I've been blessed in many ways.' "

Henry Ford said, "Whether you think you can, or think you can't . . . you're right."

We live in a great Village; there will always be things wrong or right; and we will not always agree; but we are Family and families stick together in challenging times.

Think about Tim, about yourself, and this great Village in which we live.

We have been blessed in many ways.

But you know that . . . I do not need to remind you.    

VR/Skip Blancett