Introduction: 20 Lessons from a Cobbler
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.
- Always do what needs to be done
- Be likable
- Be understanding toward others
- Take care of the customers: treat them with respect and provide quality work
- Don't take people or things at face value. Always delve deeper because there is always more going on
- It's about people and relationships
- Be patient
- Persevere
- Think carefully about what you are doing
- Know your business inside and out
- Always listen
- Each day take one step at a time
- Know what you want out of life and go for it
- Success is never about money
- Always put your best foot forward and even if you stumble you will always be okay
- Walk in a clear path that makes you feel free
- Be forgiving
- 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
- Be attuned to what is going on around you
- 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
What are you thoughts on the 10 lessons from a cobbler?
