Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Jim Spuller. Jim has 40+ years of sales, marketing, and leadership experience and now provides sales training and leadership as a Business Development Consultant for Gibson. We hope you enjoy his wisdom and perspective.
"Hey Baby" by The Buckinghams is just a song for many, but for me it is more. As I hear The Buckinghams on the radio or while attending a Salute to the 60’s Concert Series (the musical equivalent of the Senior Golf Tour), I think of it as the last song I ever heard Art Hughes sing.
Art was a neighbor kid, three years older than me, who sang in a local garage band named the Music Box. I still remember that fall night at the Hoagland High School Gym. I was listening to Art sing “Hey Baby,” and several other popular tunes of the time, and thinking of his talent. Never did I imagine I would not hear Art sing again.
As I tell this story, it is not to praise Art’s musical ability, but rather to illustrate a linkage to what Art was: an older kid who took the time (hint of today’s lesson) to teach me golf. Golf, you see, was just another one of Art’s skills, but became a game that was hugely instrumental in my life. Golf is important to me, not only because I ultimately became a PGA Professional, but also because of the people I met through golf, the experiences I was able to have, and the places I have gotten to see in my life. All of these still resonate as positive memories, none of which would have been possible if not for golf and Art.
I was raised in Indiana where playing basketball was the goal of nearly every young athlete, but for a kid who was not quick and didn’t grow until his senior year that proved to be problematic for me. My mother, in her infinite wisdom, asked if there was any sport where size and speed did not matter…to which I retorted: “That would be golf, mom.” She responded by asking who plays golf that could teach me, and as I am sure you have guessed by now, that would have been Arthur David Hughes (1949-1967).
At the urging of my mother (thanks be to mom) I got on my bike, rode the half mile down the road, and asked if I might watch Art hit some practice balls. I’m not sure whether he took pity, or was just in the mood to have someone shag a few balls for him, but he allowed me to watch him.
I remember being fascinated by the flight of the ball and the sound it made when he connected appropriately, which was quite often. I remember thinking how in the world does he do that? As I was mesmerized by his ball striking, and learned later from reading about Ben Hogan, “the secret is in the dirt.” I would come to appreciate this was true in business as well.
Practicing, especially practicing with a purpose, turned out to be fairly important for golf, as well as business. Practicing your craft or chosen field of endeavor makes up for a lack of talent and will serve you well. Ironically enough, it also circles back to my father suggesting that I should consider out working others as a strategy!
I am struck by the amount of people who have made a demonstrable difference in my ultimate journey, many of whom never knew they made an impact, or in some cases didn’t live to see the impact they had made. Art is one of those people.
What’s The Risk?
Vow to make a difference, and be present, as you never know when you might alter another person’s path.
My interaction with Art was brief, in that it was less than a few hours over the course of one summer mostly. Art’s life was cut tragically short in car crash in November 1967. Thankfully, the lives of four others in Art’s car were spared. Art never knew what a difference he made in my life. Nor did he, or his family members, realize how many other lives he might have changed because of his giving nature and willingness to spend time with a kid, who at the time must have seemed like a major pest.
So what’s the lesson in my story? It is two-part.
First, I’d encourage you to take the time to pay it forward. You never know what a difference you might be making – not only for the person you are helping, but also for those who may be downstream from them. Vow to be aware and in the present, as you may be the Art Hughes for someone else. My love of music, golf, and all the people I have met and enjoyed in life was greatly enhanced because of Art, and his willingness to share his time with me.
Secondly, if you know of someone who has made a difference in your life – do not wait to blog about it later in life as I have – because it may be too late. Tell them now. Tell them what a difference they have made and express your gratitude. You won’t regret it.
This content was written and shared by guest blogger, Jim Spuller.
Jim is a former risk management executive and PGA Golf Professional with extensive experience in sales training and coaching, including management and sales leadership roles at Marsh and A&A/Aon. He brings his expertise to Gibson to provide sales leadership and training as a Business Development Consultant.
Connect with Jim on Twitter and LinkedIn, and check out his blog.
