The Contest

When I think of Papa, what stands out in my mind is that he could set his mind to do something and he would accomplish his goals. He loved to sell. When he worked for National Cash Register (NCR), he was always either the number one salesman or number two.  Several of the salesman decided that the only way they could ever win a contest against him was if he didn't know there was a contest. So, they kept it a secret. On the very last day of the contest, Papa found out about it. He got on the phone and called around and got enough purchase orders called in to win that contest.  One of the people he called was the bowling man from another story. He loved a challenge. In fact, challenges kept him going. I think it was that adrenaline rush that he looked for.

I truly admire my father. I look up to him and I have learned from him. He means all the world to me and I love him.

What you sell today determines what your family eats tonight.

My father worked for National Cash Register Company for many years. Most years, he was the number one or number two salesman for the entire company. This did not mean that sales were always easy. It simply means that he worked hard at it.

One day he had worked all day going from store to store, business to business, talking to people about purchasing National Cash Registers. So far that day he had not found anyone to buy from him. He was tired and ready to go home. He pulled into a store parking lot and thought about going home. He flipped down the car sun visor where he had a picture of my mother, my sister, my brother and me under which he had written, “What you sell today determines what your family eats tonight.” After looking at that photo, he decided to make just one more call.

 He walked into a Winn-Dixie grocery store. He found the manager, who was talking with another gentleman and he asked if he could talk to the manger. My father proceeded to give a presentation about what National Cash Register could do for Winn Dixie.

As it turns out the man with the manager was the president of Winn Dixie. The president authorized what was then the largest purchase in the history of National Cash Register.

Disclaimer

The opinions or advice listed in this blog should be used as a place to start only. It is not a substitute for the use of a professional.

Please be sure to consult your attorney and/or accountant with any specific questions.

There is no one right answer to any business question that will cover all circumstances.

Disclaimer
The opinions or advice listed in this blog or website should be used as a place to start only. It is not a substitute for the use of a professional.
Please be sure to consult your attorney and/or accountant with any specific questions.
There is no one right answer to any business question that will cover all circumstances.
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