If one takes a moment to reflect on anyone who entered into our lives for the better, they would discover a type of gifting or treasure that came to us & even more mysteriously, without the asking. Consider: how would we know what to ask for if we don't know who we are or what we need? Where to begin? One thing that stands out for me is my first real job & the old man who hired me 
START-UP
My parents were not nurturers or supporters that would help a child define themselves or their destiny. I thank them for their contribution as they gave all they had to their children. Now for those children to give all they have to themselves
THE BECKONING
Newly married at 21, no clue what to do or where to go until one day, I answered an ad that said: Partnership without investment. Great opportunity managing Real Estate property. Will train. Send resume. I thought this was for me but how?
I GET A CALL
I did not know what a resume was let lone how to write one. Hello, I am interested in your ad. I currently manage a 10-unit apartment (slight fib). How? Now all I did was take out the trash every week for the complex. Little did I know anything
WORTHY NOTE: I am going to share after the facts before the facts to save time & make points. How I got this job, remains a mystery but with many clues to follow
SUNDAY MORNING PHONE CALL
No one calls anyone early Sunday mornings. It was "test" that I found out about later. The man simply said a few words, I responded & he said come see me Monday morning. No resume, no interview experience just wanting to work
THE OLD MAN (is accurate)
The guy was 72, short & reminded me of my Rabbi. Fascinating. I was young, handsome, articulate & ignorant & to him, a perfect candidate. Why? He wanted to train in & mold whoever he hired to do what he wanted & how. Simple as that
WHO HE WAS
A retired pharmacist, who did business & grew up during the depression & two World Wars. He also was a self-made multi-millionaire with extensive Real Estate holdings, ALL paid for all over Southern CA. He was also a hard money lender, property manager & a builder-developer. Three, thriving, profitable businesses which is why he needed help. Smart, savvy & knew just about everything as he was "rich" in experience, wealth & hard work & successes. Rich literally & figuratively
WORTHY NOTE: He was 72 when I went to work for him & I was 22 a difference of 50 years. He knew me, but I had no clue about him or life. He knew everything
SHREWD LIFE LESSONS
I had no idea what he was talking about or why & didn't need to know per him. Just do what I tell you. I wasn't to add or take away just obey. I could do that & I did
The guy tested me in ways I knew about & ways I did not. All I know is I passed all. A few for your amusement:
1. He would take paper clips & drop them on the floor & when I went into the room, to see if I would pick them. A manager picks up, an order taker does not, lesson
2. He left a small amount of money out, that if taken, would not be missed. I never touched it & I know he counted it to see if I did. Honesty test
3. He would send me somewhere or give me an assignment & then ask me questions off the assignment. It was an awareness test. Did I notice this or that?
4. He taught by example not instructions as much. 90/10 is the ratio. He expected me to keep up with him whether I understood or not. Imitate "me" was the lesson
5. Took me to a prime piece of property owned by him & told me to sweep all the stairs. I thought this odd, but I swept until he said: that's enough. Humility lesson
6. He said that what I would learn would benefit me all life. Understatement
WORTHY NOTE: I worked long hours & did what I was told. In 6 months, I got a large bonus. Me & my new wife were so happy. Keep up the good work he says
PARABLES
He made his points & himself known via stories he would tell me or having to do with work & life. Remember: he is 50 years older than me. These were lifelong too. To help me from temptation of all sorts, he simply made it known that he knew all
WORTHY NOTE: was paid extremely well from 1972-84. I was well-off in many ways
MY TRAINING
It was vast, never-ending & profitable. He taught me to handle all company litigation leading to 20 years of experience in the courtrooms. While waiting for my case, I listened & learned about everybody else cases. I knew what the judges would rule on, regarding issues brought before them. How? Heard it over & over. I made money loans, appraised property, supervised construction & much more
Taking 12 years of front-line training, in multiple subjects exceeding any college or business course allowed me, to start 3 profitable businesses of my own when I left.
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