On the wall in my office is a framed copy of a quote which was given to me by Manny Affler, a great client many years ago. He was in his 50s at the time and hired me multiple times for several years. He recognized that Venmark was a different kind of company. It was early in our business life and I was facing the challenges of entrepreneurship. In addition to hiring us repeatedly for years and validating our work, he encouraged me to be different and inspired me with the quote below.

So, as I think about all that I am thankful for this Thanksgiving Holiday, I have to remember Manny who passed away a few years ago. He got it. He valued our distinctive business model, he valued the contribution we made to his business, and was kind enough to encourage me to be distinct.

###

© 2014 Steven M. Stroum