Reflecting on the Past
In 1964, the world looked vastly different than it does today. A gallon of gas cost just 30 cents, a dozen eggs was priced at 57 cents, and you could grab a McDonald’s hamburger for a mere 15 cents. It was a simpler time, and every cent mattered. During that time, I found myself in a situation that would inevitably change my career trajectory. One night while working late designing ads for the upcoming edition of the newspaper, I remember needing toilet paper at home and the stores were already closed. I located a roll at work and wrote a note to the accountant, promising to pay the company for the 5-cent roll of toilet paper the next morning.
A Moment of Trust
As fate would have it, on my way home from the office that night, I met my boss as he returned to the office. He glanced at the roll of toilet paper, then back up at me in silence. Before he could say anything, I explained about my note. To my surprise, he walked directly to the accountant’s desk, picked up my note, and tore it up. This act of trust from my boss was a pivotal moment for me. Just a few weeks later, he offered me the chance to manage a printing company in Toccoa, Georgia, which was a dream come true.
The Value of Integrity
This experience served as a lasting lesson in the importance of trust, honesty, and loyalty in the workplace. The act of forgiving a minor expense highlighted my boss’s belief in me and opened doors to opportunities I had only dreamed about. It reinforced my belief that integrity, enthusiasm, and hard work are foundational traits in our personal and professional lives. Sometimes, all it takes is a simple act to inspire trust and lead to significant changes.
