Thanksgiving: A Time To Reflect On Our Blessings

It’s the time of year to reflect on your blessings in life. I have been very fortunate, having spent the last 22 years with Help/Systems. During that time, I’ve had the opportunity to travel around the world on behalf of the company and our products, primarily Robot.

Some of the great things I've seen and done in my travels are the Great Barrier Reef; a Kiwi winery in New Zealand; dining in a restaurant overlooking Caracas; sailing the America's Cup boat in Maui; my ten-year anniversary trip to Tahiti; a tour of Helsinki; countless trips to Orlando with my family; and the many great user conferences in Las Vegas, New Orleans, Minneapolis, Phoenix, San Francisco, and elsewhere.

Wow, that’s lots of business and a lot of places to remember. It’s been an unbelievable ride and I thank all of you for your support and for using our software. I’m also thankful for the many times my wife and family have been able to come along.

Now, twenty-plus years later, with four kids, one in college and another going next year, it still feels like we’re just getting started. Maybe it’s the two younger children, 9 and 11, that keep me young. Or maybe it’s the new employees we hire that are fresh out of college. All I know is that we have a lot of new memories to make!

Through the years, it’s been fun mentoring new people at work on products and growing through the acquisitions we’ve done. We’ve touched new customers and markets, while spreading our high level of support and services. I’m also thankful for our culture at work—it’s a nice, quiet, fun environment to work in.

Those who know me, or have seen me limping around, may chuckle when I say that I’m also really thankful for my own health. But today, even with two bad knees, I downhill ski, water ski, wakeboard, canoe, bike, and more. And, I am very fortunate to have a healthy family. My kids have given me great memories with their activities. I love to watch them participate in golf, swimming, lacrosse, football, baseball, basketball, soccer, hockey, choir, band, and other clubs.

Those are just a few of things I’m really thankful for. And, this year I look forward to sharing my blessings with my significant others as we host Thanksgiving for my wife’s family.

Happy Thanksgiving