What where my greatest accomplishments.? What where my dismal failures.? Looking back I seem to have important items on both sides of the ledger, both on a personal and business level.
But if I can lay claim to a small sense of pride, it would be the recurring trait to pick myself up after a fall and try, try again. Add to this the rigid requirement for integrity and fairness in all my dealings and I feel I have something of value to look back on.
I think one of the most satisfying periods of my life, was working with Toronto street kids in the 90s when I was in a position to make a difference in some instances.
From a selfish point of view, discovering Thailand and the tolerant friendly Thai people tops the list. For the past four years I can roll the clock back half a century, for two weeks in the year and immerse myself in a World diverse from prejudice.
Probably one of the most enjoyable work experiences was building the mansion " Gwillimbury Grange". Financially it did not work out so good, ( see "0% interest rates") but it was a labour of love. The stone work was something new for me, but I quickly got into it, chiseling every stone rectangular to create a neat finish, as can be seen as I apply the finishing touches to one of the chimneys.
I remember talking to my Mother once about business endeavours and some of the disappointments we had experienced and she commented, look at the opportunities you have given to so many people working for you. This is a consideration. One year we sent out 54 T4 tax slips which is a lot of people to be finding a wage for every week. A couple of these started their own operations with the experience they accrued and did very well. One in the snow business and one in lawn care.
My beautiful dog "Moondog" completes the trio.