Page 4 - D18046 - LB - Reporter Mar-Apr 22 web optimized

Message from the CHAIR

the true measure of success

george mCcart hen I was asked to write a piece for this always all about keeping his relationships.” When
Vice President Wedition of the Reporter, I asked myself I sit back and think about it, Ron had it figured
Operations, Toolway what have I got to say that hasn’t already been out. Today our world has become too focused
and LBMAO Board said over the last couple of years? Why would on efficiencies, ROI, ROTI, too mechanical, too
Member anybody be interested in anything I have to say? digital, quite simply too much of everything
We have beaten the pandemic to death; is there but relationship building. We should all take a
a third or fourth wave on the horizon? Are the step back and learn from Ron; relationships are
restrictions coming off too soon? What will be the everlasting and invaluable. You might not be able
new normal? Here’s one man’s humble opinion: to measure your success by them, but you can
nobody - and I mean nobody - wants to continue certainly measure your losses without them, in life
down that path. We are done with it! Move on! and in business.
Here am I moving on. These past two years have been difficult in so
As most people in our industry now know, we many ways, lockdowns, product shortages, staff
lost a very dear friend (and the LBMAO Chair of shortages and uncontrollable price increases. Our
the Board) recently - Mr. Ron Schell. industry has been very fortunate; we not only
"You might not be Anyone who had the pleasure survived but most prospered. People jumped onto
of meeting Ron knows he was a the staycation band wagon; and made equitable
able to measure person of character, fun loving and investments in their homes and cottages unlike
your success by generous to a fault. Quite simply anything we had ever seen. Homeowners
he was just an amazing guy. I take just felt the need to spend their hard-earned
them, but you solace in knowing that everyone money on something tangible. That is about to
can certainly up above has embraced Ron with change. Restrictions are being lifted or removed
measure your open arms and are now being completely and freedom is around the corner. We
blessed with his (let’s call it) sense are all starting to look at other fun ways to spend
losses without of humour. Ron is survived by his our money. The excitement around Travel and
them, in life and in wonderful family - wife Monica, Entertainment has never been higher; the need to
sons Chris and Kyle, daughter “return to normal” is going to drive the next wave
business." Sarah, three grandchildren and of spending.
his tremendous parents Percy and This is the time for us to be out in front of our
Dorothy. He will be truly missed. colleagues, our customers, our vendor partners.
By now you are probably asking yourself It’s time for some Old School relationship building,
where is he going with this? Well, Ron was all face-to-face meaningful conversations, leave the
about relationships and how important they Lazy-Boy at the home and call on old friends and
really are. Recently I was fortunate to have had make some new ones. As would be Ron’s nature,
the opportunity to speak with his sister Judy. Judy “What’s the worst that could happen?” Maybe just
recalled having to come downstairs on several maybe you will be as fortunate as anyone who
occasions to Ron’s end of the counter and tell him met Ron. So get yourself out there, you will be
to speed things up “come on, move things along” better off.
because he would have a line of customers/
friends just waiting for a chance to talk, hear a
bad joke and sometimes do business. “He was

4 LBMAO Reporter - March-April 2022 www.lbmao.on.ca