A Different Perspective
As I reflect on days gone by, the summers turn into years and soon decades. I quickly come to the realization that in a few months my family will celebrate our 100th year in the moving business. This is no easy task in any industry.
Being from the fourth generation and watching the fifth grow every day, I wonder what the future may hold for them. I remember the “war stories” my dad told me while I was learning the business.
The problems and resolve my forebears had made me question my own commitment to this industry. Would I be able to continue the path of success with such issues as “deregulation” coming to our industry and the complete chaos that would surely follow?
Today you are hard pressed to find anyone who remembers "regulation". It's been more than twenty years since this issue faced us. Were there problems? Sure, but nothing like what was predicted. This is my point – perception. Three people can witness the same occurrence, but each one’s description of that occurrence can be totally different. It's all in how we perceive a situation.
Looking back on the success we’ve had this past century, I believe having proper perspective was, and is one of the greatest tools my family used in the business world. The ability for us to see adversity, and perceive it as opportunity is the key to our profitability.
As I watch my kids sweep the warehouse and fold pads I wonder how this business will treat them after I’m gone. I figure if they can keep “a different perspective,” they'll probably do all right.
Donnie Arpin