Sometimes a quote sticks with you. A looping whisper in the ear as one goes about the day. Whether an epigram, proverb, or aphorism of unknown origin, words can have staying power for many reasons. For a group of successful businessmen in Fort Worth, a favorite quote becomes a motivational tool, pushing them to achieve at a high level and challenging them when they become complacent. Sometimes that motivation is a reminder of a loved one past or present, a trait they value, or a gentle nudge to be bold, but guaranteed, it is thought-provoking. So, what inspires the who's who of Fort Worth?
Lance C. Thompson, CRM, CIC Principal, Cordell & Company Insurance Agency
What is one of your favorite quotes?
“When God sees you doing your part, developing what He has given you, then He will do His part and open doors that no man can shut.”
What does it mean to you and how does it apply to your life?
This quote reassures me that as long as I am doing everything I am capable of, no more or less, He will give me peace and purpose in my life. At the end of the day, I believe that is all we can ask for. A life of purpose, knowing we are making a difference.
Dr. Robert Anderson, Fort Worth Plastic Surgery & MedSpa
What is one of your favorite quotes?
“Right is Right even if nobody does it. Wrong is wrong even if everybody is wrong about it.” ― G K Chesterton
What does it mean to you and how does it apply to your life?
I have always tried to do the right thing regardless of the cost. Morality is a God-given sense of what is truly right and wrong. In the postmodern age of moral relativism, it is often difficult to stand up for what is morally right. Sometimes there is a cost for taking this stand, but the ultimate rewards are worth that cost.
Clay Miller, Owner, Ramblin Trails Custom Boots
What is one of your favorite quotes?
"Aspire to inspire before you expire"
What does it mean to you and how does it apply to your life?
I try to pass on knowledge to someone and, maybe, spark their interest before it's too late and we're all gone.
Ed Byrd, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones
What is one of your favorite quotes?
"Someone's sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago" – Warren Buffett
What does it mean to you and how does it apply to your life?
In life, as with investing, you have to think about the grand trajectory of things. There is no better time to start thinking about your path and influence than today.
Evan Perkins, Perkins Orthodontics
What is one of your favorite quotes?
“Do what you love, and you’ll never work another day in your life.”
Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you.”
What does it mean to you and how does it apply to your life?
First quote - I love orthodontics, and I wake up every morning excited to go to work and see my patients and my team. I am truly blessed to be in a career I love and to live my dreams daily. The goal in my office is to put a smile on people’s faces every day, both through creating beautiful smiles and by trying to be genuinely good to people.
Second quote - There are times when life, running a business, and the general day-to-day can be daunting. But God is good all the time. The verse reminds me to give it all to the Lord, because he is ultimately in control, and I am his servant. The verse ties back to the first quote in that they both mean to take care of people and serve the Lord by doing good works through him. These are ultimately the two foundations of my life and my business.
Rocky Farr, Diesslin Group
What is one of your favorite quotes?
"There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure." - Colin Powell
What does it mean to you and how does it apply to your life?
As a former professional athlete in the 1970s, I trained daily and disciplined myself mentally and physically for each game. Whether I won or lost the game, I always evaluated how I could improve my performance in the next game.
As a Financial Advisor for over 40 years, the same fundamentals apply to business as sports. I must be dedicated and disciplined, learning what works and doesn’t, and making adjustments based on the outcomes. At Diesslin Group, I continually communicate with our clients and analyze their financial situation to ensure I am addressing their current and future needs. If our clients are successful, then we are successful.
In any area of your life, the principles of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure will always apply.
Aaron Sorrells, Owner, Blinds Brothers
What is one of your favorite quotes?
“To be a better father, remember the things you liked and change the things you didn’t.”
What does it mean to you and how does it apply to your life?
As a father of three boys, I constantly work to improve the things I wanted to be done differently as a kid. It was a valuable lesson my dad taught me as I grew up. This thought process also applies to my business, employees, and customers. Working for other businesses taught me many great ways to run a company, but it also showed me a lot of bad habits of current retail and service-based businesses. With Blinds Brothers, I have implemented the good practices I witnessed and improved on the bad. I am always striving to improve our weaknesses and listen to feedback to create a better experience for everyone involved. American business is supposed to be about quality and customer service, and that is my highest priority.
Tom Carr, Architect, S4S Design + Build
What is one of your favorite quotes?
"The path of least resistance is only paved at the beginning."
What does it mean to you and how does it apply to your life?
A code inspector shared the quote with me a while ago when I was new to architecture. As a direct application to what I do for a living, it simply means that the right solution to a problem is not always the easiest one. It's a matter of evaluating, double-checking, and ensuring you do the right things to achieve the right ending.
In my personal life, it's a similar situation. I'm a father of two young boys, and sometimes it's convenient to do what everyone wants to do right away, but it's important to weigh all the options carefully. The reality is it might not be beneficial to everyone.