Papa Bruce

I have been thinking alot about the departure of my boss and wondering why I am so affected by that departure. What was it about him that struck a chord in me? I have a history of getting along well with my managers and I have long term relationships with just about every manager I have had over the years, but there was something different about my recent boss that made me wonder what it was that drew me and my loyalty to him.

I believe it is because he had a similar outlook and personality to my dad.

You see, my dad, he was the guy who took ALL the shots. He invested (and still invests) heavily in his dreams and he absolutely is better for the journey.

While he didn't have the wanderlust that my boss and I exhibit, he absolutely had the dreams of glory.

Way back in the 80's my dad decided he wanted to start a family 'side' business. I am sure this was not my dad's first great venture, but it is the first one I am aware
He decided he was going to license the Shmoo. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shmoo

We, as a family were then going to build a business around products, programs etc, all starring the Shmoo. Around that time, my grandfather got ill (and subsequently died) and my dad dropped this adventure. It was okay with him though, because he had spent a good 6 months doing the research and creating building the dream.

The next big venture was his eBook reader. This dream extended from the late '90's and is still going strong today. He hasn't made a cent, but his patent is cited in a number of other products including the Kindle. He still has high hopes for who knows what.

Next...BlazeNPaddles. Dad traveled to France with Mom and discovered Tarte Flambes (roughly translated to 'Fire Pie'). Dad did his research and realized that there were no restauranteurs selling or leveraging this yummy french delicacy.He decided to drop this project due to my mom becoming ill. It didn't matter...he had fun thinking about it. On a side note, Ron and I picked up the BlazeNPaddles concept, started our LLC This N That Enterprises with the intent to sell (briefly) Pizza Peels with Tarte Flambe Kits online. I still have a bunch of beautiful, hand made peels in my garage ;)

Mom got better so they traveled to France again (can you sense a theme?), and there he discovered Red Currant Wine. Wow! If he could only grow red currants and make wine here in California, he could market it through his wine broker. He went as far as looking at land in ClearLake California, buying a special refrigerator and importing red currants from France. I think he still has the fridge...

Today...he is writing a mystery novel, has launched a foundation (that is focusing it's philanthropy on the research of communication to Alzheimer's patients) and is still working on the prototyping and marketing of his eBook IP.

My dad is my hero. He is the most successful person I know. Not because he is the wealthiest in things and money.

He has adult children and grandchildren who have been influenced by his dreams and his unfailing desire to try new things.

My dad has never lost sight of what is important: Family first (mom being number one), his integrity, and his desire to ALWAYS look forward.