The Chair

“The Chair”

Say hello to Irene Johnson. She’s one of the newest Aquascape teammates and my friend. History is not on her side.

I have a dismal track record hiring friends and family to work in my business. In that regard I’m not alone from the typical entrepreneur. More often than not friends and family are the first people to jump on board as an entrepreneur’s enthusiasm for their venture sucks those they are closest to into their vortex. That is until the energy expelled from their turbo charged passion for their enterprises burns up anyone not fully aligned with their vision or work ethic.

My best friend from high school embezzled from me and my own father became my first competitor.
It sucks, but the requirements necessary to succeed in business are, by nature, at a different level than those required to function as family and friends.

“Business is Business”

Still, that doesn’t make it any easier if things go south.

Twenty-one years ago I installed a water garden for Irene and she’s been a friend and vocal cheerleader for Aquascape and me ever since.

Is it any wonder why I love her?! She deserves the shot she’s getting despite my track record hiring friends.

After 30 plus years dealing with Nuclear Engineers (yes she started working in high school) she now will experience what a new life handling pond contractors is like.

Pray for her!

Prayers for our relationship wouldn’t hurt either.

Yesterday she sat in “The Chair” in my office. We had our first ever blast furnace conversation. My passion for what I do isn’t any less intense today than it was a quarter century ago. However, I swear (loudly) I’m much more muted in how I handle my interactions with teammates now. Hah!

Irene is a smart, dedicated and passionate woman.

Wish us both luck on our new journey together!