Being a regional general contractor comes with a few perks, one of which is exploring the places where we are privileged to work. I recently traveled to the Gulf Coast to visit a project we are finishing there, and took a detour to visit the site of a project we built almost 30 years ago …
This week, I was a guest of the 2023 National Scout Jamboree, a flagship event that’s held every four years. It spans 10 days, and several thousand Scouts and leaders gather at the high adventure location. This was my sixth time to attend, and I recall it being held in different spots over the years, …
Last weekend, I got to attend the United States Olympian and Paralympians Association Reunion in Colorado Springs as a guest of Jennifer Chandler, a gold medalist diver (spring board). This group reconnects every four years, bringing together fellow athletes who competed on the world stage to get briefed on future Olympic games. This time we …
Last Saturday, I felt like a trip to the Black Belt of our state for a couple of stops. Greensboro was first up. I had visited this small town several years ago when my friend Pamela Dorr led a hand-built bamboo bike shop called HERObike and Pie Lab. Greensboro is a sweet town, still beautiful, …
Someone recently asked me which city I have enjoyed of all the cities where we have built over the years. The simple answer is, “They are all good, if you have your health.” This said, I have come to appreciate, Brewton, a smaller market city in southwest Alabama where we have been managing the construction of …
Ten years ago this summer, I made a trip to Maine, where I spent a week with the cabinet makers of Thos. Moser crafting a couple of rocking chairs. I was reflecting on that trip today, and got to thinking that if one wishes to be in your children’s memories tomorrow, you have to be …
Sometimes, you need a break. My son is finishing up his 9th year of medical training, and he’s tired. Honestly, I was, too. When we could both schedule a little downtime, we embarked on a 12-day father/son trip starting at the Lost Coast, Northern California’s coastal wilderness. I suspect when Hwy 101 was first planed …
Last Saturday evening, it was a privilege to be the guest of NPR Nashville and the Robinson family for the final showing of “A Prairie Home Companion” at The Ryman. (In case you aren’t familiar, it’s the only live music and variety show aired nationwide today, and has been on the air for more than …
A few weeks ago, I was walking down the street in St. Paul–freezing–and my mind was elsewhere. A gentleman stopped me and said, “You dropped something.” I scanned the ground to see what it might be, and realized nothing was there. That’s when he said, “You dropped your smile.” I immediately realized it was true, …
Are you are familiar with the “farm to table” concept? Last evening I had the opportunity to have dinner on a farm where the produce was grown. I am in New England for a few days, currently in Nantucket, where we visited Bartlett’s Farm. The place is amazing. Seven generations of the Bartlett family have …
Last week, I learned that Robin Williams and I were born in the same year, ’51. A day or so after his death I happened across this tribute video and one particular quote struck a chord with me: “None of us are very long on this earth. Life is fleeting…Make your life spectacular.” It got …
This year, I was fortunate to attend The Masters, hosted at Augusta National Golf Club, as the guest of a friend who is the son of a former Masters champion. After my time of 4 days there, I got to thinking about the means and methods of being successful on course vs in business: Stay after it. When a …