An East-Coast family moved into our town. After a short time Power Mom quickly worked her way through the community and decided which families were the Chosen Ones-you know–the aristocracy–the ones “worth knowing” who had clout, money and prestige. After a couple of years, she went so far as to create a list and distributed her list to “worthy” new arrivals when they hit town, or when she met them at private schools.

I sold for a Fortune 500 technology company for 17 years. Many times I sat in sales meetings where management exhorted the troops-using fear and reward-more often the former. I’d walk away thinking, “Most of these guys are empty suits-Corporate MBAs who’ve never sold a thing in their life.” They could ID problems but offered no solutions. Then it dawned on me: I’m the solution! I’m the answer! If it is to be it is up to me!

An expectant father recently asked me for advice on being a dad. I had several flip responses such as, “Ask for a mulligan,” and “Don’t.” But he was holding out for something more-an “A” game response.

Wife Ruthie and I had been childless for 19 years. Then we figured out what caused them. We have since been blessed with Teddy and the twin pistols, Paige and Diana (8 going on 18). As any parent knows, kids are a shock to the senses. Nothing can prepare you for those buns and burps.