Remembering My Dad
By: Brent Martin
Here at Nussbaum, we often use the term “purpose driven.”
According to salesforce.org, a purpose-driven company “stands for and takes action on something bigger than its products and services.” And Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff says that “the business of business is improving the state of the world.”
I’ve noticed that many companies chose a greater mission than just making money, such as reducing their carbon footprint or other forms of social impact. Noble as these pursuits may be, I believe we’ve set our sights even higher at Nussbaum.
Remember our vision: “to be purpose-driven in everything we do to positively impact the lives of everyone we interact with.” This has daily requirements for each of us, not just some executives making big decisions in a top-floor office. I don’t imagine employees at most other companies can actually use their vision to guide small, day-to-day moments. But at Nussbaum, we can. Our core values – speaking the truth, doing the right thing, putting our best foot forward, going after our goals, and giving back – can be modeled in any situation during the course of a day. That is, if we choose to do so.
How I respond to a cranky dock worker; how I “smile” over the phone while talking to a customer; and which fingers I wave when a motorist cuts me off are all small moments where I can choose to shine. I’ve learned that responding correctly (often opposite of what the other person expects) can have a lasting impact.
On a personal note, today (9/27) is quite a memorable day for me. It marks five years to the day since my dad’s passing, and I’ve been reflecting on his example. He was always there for us, very hard-working, eager to serve, and loved Jesus and us greatly. He was a great example, and I am so thankful for that. I want to provide that same example to my wife, kids, co-workers, and everyone I meet. I believe that being “purpose-driven” is first following Christ’s example to the best of our ability and, second, the example of those in our lives who do the same. I hope you have someone (or many others) in your life who is that example. Either way, I encourage you to be that model for those around you!
Some observe you for a lifetime; others, for just a passing moment. But either way, we all should strive to make it count! I know my dad sure did. Alan Roy Martin – 9/27/17.
