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| Steve Chapman President & CEO Ruan Transportation Management Systems |
Several
months ago, New View’s Danny Beyer, whom I had never met at the time, requested
a meeting with me to discuss my career and how individuals can make a
difference in their communities. While flattered, I was not sure why he
contacted me instead of other community leaders. However, we met over coffee
and talked about the importance of volunteering, getting involved and giving
back within our community. We had a great conversation, and it caused me to
think back about myself at his age and my desire—just like his—to make a
difference.
Last
week, Danny sent me an e-mail asking if I would be willing to write New View’s
guest blog for June. He said it would be great if I would write about personal mentors
who I have been fortunate to work with in my career. As I think about the many
individuals who both intentionally and unintentionally mentored me throughout
my career, I realize they made a lasting difference in my life. And I am now at
a point in my life when offering my time and guidance to younger, determined
generations is so very important. I hope to impact them the way my mentors
impacted me.
I
have been very fortunate to have had a successful and rewarding career. That
process began with the best and most important mentors in my life—my parents.
My parents taught me that I truly can do anything as long as I am willing to
put in the time and effort required to succeed.
When I needed help or did something wrong, they were always there to
pick me up, allow me to learn from my mistakes and get on with my life. They
taught me values that will always guide my life and my decisions. I was taught
that there is right and there is wrong—nothing in between. As a result,
decisions came easy for me because I never looked beyond what was the right
thing to do. My parents taught me the importance of caring for others and
always putting their needs above my own.
After
completing my studies at Drake University and entering the workforce, I was
determined to succeed in business. But I also wanted to succeed in being an
engaged citizen within my community. So with every opportunity I was given, I
worked extremely hard to make a difference, and the impact of my efforts on
others was always in forefront of my thought process. I was taught that success
is shared, and it always felt better when that success had a positive impact on
others. As my responsibilities expanded, I looked for ways to get involved and give
back to this community in which I was so fortunate to live. That is where my
second group of mentors came in.
One
thing I learned quickly was that the most involved and successful business
leaders in our community welcomed individuals like me to the table as long as
we were willing to work. I first became involved in what was then the Greater
Des Moines Chamber of Commerce by volunteering on various committees focused on
economic development. It gave me the opportunity to meet and work with successful,
philanthropic individuals like John Fitzgibbon, Bill Knapp, Marvin Pomerantz,
Dave Miller, Connie Wimer, David Hurd and many others. Each of these
individuals—whether they knew it or not—guided, coached and mentored me in so
many ways. They taught me so much, but most importantly, they taught me the
importance of giving back. At the time, they made it clear that they did not
expect my financial contributions to the community to be the size of theirs but,
as my career grew, so should the size of my contributions. They were always
willing to offer their time to help me better understand the needs of our community
and how to address them. I feel very fortunate to have become close friends
with many of the leaders who truly define this community.
In
fact, I was asked to speak at the funeral of a friend and mentor during their
last days of life. This individual was such a strong personality and leader
that once I hesitantly agreed, they proceeded to tell me what they wanted me to
say at their funeral. I was directed to not speak about them, but rather about
this great community and the work that still needs to be done. It was a
demonstration of leadership that never fades because it is instilled in others.
The
leaders and mentors I have been so fortunate to know taught me the importance
of working together within our community to overcome challenges, create
opportunities and make it an even better place to live, work and raise a
family. It’s people who truly make a difference through their willingness to
stand up at the right time for the right cause—and Des Moines has been blessed
with many leaders who selflessly donate their time and financial resources to
the community.
Today,
I still consider myself that young businessperson looking up with respect to
the leaders who have mentored me and made a lasting difference in my life. Now,
I’m honored to have the opportunities to speak to organizations like the
Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute and United Way’s Education Leadership
Initiative, as well as work with young people, like Danny, who want to get
involved in their community. I was taught well by my many mentors, and I will
do everything I can to continue to teach the importance of getting involved,
giving of time and resources and always acting for the right reasons.
