On The Fly

He was never on Facebook, not Twitter or LinkedIn yet he was one of the most connected people I knew. He loved life, treated people with the utmost respect, an avid reader, a true educator, and a wise man who knew how to make everyone feel special. Every birthday, which he always remembered, his special gift to me was books, printed books, not electronic, subjects designed to broaden my understanding. He would send me articles on business, technology, sports, and politics. He always encouraged me to grow, to learn new things, to write, to always be me. “Never compromise your Midwest values, never stop being Patrick.” Always smiling and laughing we met for lunch when he was in town. It was always at 11:20 a.m., he wanted to beat the crowds. That hour together we always laughed, never about gossip, never at the expense of another, a deep hearty satisfying laugh, the kind that when you part you’re smiling inside. After lunch he would  insist on driving back along the Carlsbad coast....

Podcasting - Inside GIA Education "Eighty-five percent of the reason you get a job, keep a job, and get ahead in that job, is the right mental attitude." - Zig Ziglar. On Thursday, December 13, 2012 the  Gemological  Institute of America (GIA) celebrated the committed people (among them, Jim Lucey, Richard Liddicoat, and Robert Crowningshield) who have celebrated 25 years plus of service to GIA. Their career - an integral part of their personal and professional life. - I’m honored and privileged to be among this elite group (January 19, 2011). I’ve spent the past few days reflecting on what it means to serve in this capacity. First, I’m proud to say career loyalty has always been a tradition in my family; my grandfather served for 50 years in his job at International Harvester. My father served 45 years at Briggs Manufacturing in Abington, Illinois. My younger brother has served over 35 years at Caterpillar. In today’s corporate culture we are an anomal...