My Son Says Goodbye to the Business
I just said goodbye to my younger son, Matt, who is leaving the business to fulfill his calling. He is leaving to take a full time ministry position as the Student Ministries Pastor at Pathway Assembly of God in Middlebury, IN. He has worked with me in the business now for three years, starting when he was in college. He has done a variety of jobs while here, as did his brother who left several months ago. Line worker, shipping leader, materials manager, always doing all that I asked and more.
As he was standing in my office this afternoon (he had come up to say "thanks"), I was hit with the realization that I would no longer be seeing him everyday. While we did not have father/son interaction everyday, he was always a joy to see. And not just because he is my son, but because he is a person that everyone enjoys interacting with. I will miss him, daily.
Having family in the business can sometimes be a stressful situation. And while some family members take advantage of being the "bosses kid", neither of my ever did. In fact, Matt said to me today that he always tried to avoid putting me in a situation where it would appear I was being partial in any way. This is a credit to both of my sons, who always took the duties I asked them to and never wavered from carrying the responsibility of being the bosses son.
While they have chosen to do other things, the door will always be open for them. They both posses the work ethic, drive and attitude that I am always looking for in a member of my team. It has been al pleasure to be their boss for many years, but it will never equal the pleasure of being their dad.
Good luck boys!
