The Invisible Mentor

Two weeks ago I interviewed Roy Thomas, the shoe repair person I have been using for over 10 years. Roy is extremely successful at what he does, and has been in business for over 30 years. I firmly believe that we can learn from each other. Here are 20 lessons I distilled from the interview.

1. Always do what needs to be done
2. Be likable
3. Be understanding toward others
4. Take care of the customers: treat them with respect and provide quality work
5. Don’t take people or things at face value. Always delve deeper because there is always more going on
6. It’s about people and relationships
7. Be patient
8. Persevere
9. Think carefully about what you are doing
10. Know your business inside and out
11. Always listen
12. Each day take one step at a time
13. Know what you want out of life and go for it
14. Success is never about money
15. Always put your best foot forward and even if you stumble you will always be okay
16. Walk in a clear path that makes you feel free
17. Be forgiving
18. Do not dwell on the past. You may not be able to visualize the future but it is there and tomorrow will provide for itself
19. Be attuned to what is going on around you
20. Make both your personal and professional life work in harmony

Most Influential Book: Our God is Awesome, Tony Evans

This book talks about how people should live in this world.

Major Regret: “In 1965, I bought 18 lots of land in Montreal, Canada. I was burdened and overwhelmed by all the taxes that I had to pay so I decided to sell. If I was patient, and waited I would have earned more on my investment.”

When I asked Roy what excites him about life, he responded with this quote “Life is a mirror: if you frown at it, it frowns back; if you smile, it returns the greeting.” William Makepeace Thackery

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