This is it, my first letter to you. What do I have to say—something important, something thoughtful, something provocative, something dumb? I will probably never go down as a great orator, or even as a great thinker BUT I do wish to be remembered as someone that cares about you and this organization. Those of you that know me understand I am not always “politically correct” but I try to always have the success of our organization and your success at heart. Now, that’s kind of difficult to do when you have to take your foot out of you mouth constantly, but I’m trying!

An organization is only as good as its people. I want to tell you from experience, there are no finer people then the folks reading this article. We wonder what the benefit is to belonging to any organization and the answer is “The People”. Trainers and consultants run amuck in our industries, all with their own agendas and all at a cost. Almost all of them have good ideas and most of them are, or have been successful in, their own endeavors. We all recognize the “Big” names in our industries—you know, the ones that have made a name for themselves for writing books or articles on how you should run your business. Did you ever ask yourself, “why did they get out?” Well, there are several answers. Some sold their business and made a handsome profit and are truly dedicated to making more money helping you. Others did not do so well, and, well, let’s just say can make more money telling you what they did wrong and to avoid those pitfalls.

I travel a great deal and have listened in on discussions of contractors talking to contractors and it amazes me how much boasting takes place above and beyond the normal bragging. There are also some that truly have become successful (to varying degrees) and really want to help others. I have found that those are the ones in our group. I honestly have never met a group of people that care about each other as much as these do. Sure we disagree from time to time, but we always figure it out and move on—as friends! This is the value of our organization. People helping people, and for free. Did you ever look around and see the talent around us? It’s amazing!! We have the best plumbers, heating and air conditioning contractors, and indoor air quality specialists in the industry! Bar None!!! I am consistently amazed at the talent and every one of them is ready and willing to help others. Why would we want to re-invent the wheel when there are Rolls Royce builders in our own yard!! And better yet, FREE!!!

Call each other, discuss challenges, better yourself. When one of us wins, we all win. I’m reminded of a phrase that is tossed around from meeting to meeting: “I believe in R & D, rob and duplicate” and there is a reason that quote exists. Why would you want to spend time and money developing a process that was developed years ago? (I mean other than ego.) I didn’t invent IAQ, you didn’t invent plumbing or HVAC, so how come we can’t rely on those that have been successful in these areas, to direct some of our efforts for us? The answer is simple: we don’t have to. Products change, people change, and to some degree our industries change, but the processes of doing business remain virtually even.

We enter 2008 with the idea we are going to avoid resolutions. In reality, let’s resolve to have a successful and fun New Year. Happy New Year!

Sincerely,
Larry Sambrook
President, PMPV/VAPHCC
lsambrook@verizon.net