Inspiration, Gratitude, Humility

     Upon finishing my capstone project, I spoke with my employer about the past 2-1/2 years. In that conversation, he brought to my attention how much I was able to overcome and maintain focus to finish my master’s program. He suggested I write down some of the events so that I wouldn’t forget and so that I would appreciate this success with greater value. 

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     My decision to pursue this degree was primarily a reaction due to fear. Our industry had been (and still is) in a state of change, with large companies and investment groups sweeping in and taking over several smaller, family-owned businesses. There was a great deal of discussion amongst our staff about what our ownership would do with our company. Clarity of a succession plan had been a point of contention in the past, and long-standing employees wanted an answer, now that our owner was turning 65.

    Our owner had raised the possibility of selling the company to me over ten years, and we engaged our executive coach to help us get started on putting the idea in writing. We had a timeline, a rough price, and a plan skeleton with how it might work. He just needed to have a conversation with his accountant, and by the end of 2019, we would have a deal in the works. To make a long story short, the deal was off. At almost 50 years old, I needed to do something to protect myself and my family if our owner decided to sell the business. I decided that education would be my protection. 

Here is a timeline of the significant events over the next 2.5 years:

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• January 2020 – Begin ORGL program at Gonzaga. At this time, I was our organization’s General Manager.

• March 2020 – COVID-19 Pandemic begins.  Half of our workforce is sent home to work remotely, in case we have an outbreak amongst employees on-site and they need to replace the onsite team. 

• April 2020 – My workload in juggling the pandemic changes becomes unbearable.  I can't maintain my best work, so I opt to postpone ORGL 600.  I resume courses in the “b” session later that semester.

• June 2020 – My father has a heart issue. He has surgery, and I had to split my time between Spokane and Omak, WA (3 hours of travel one way) to help my family. I continued to work in Spokane during the week and spent weekends in Omak, helping to get our family’s home ready to sell.

• September 2020 – Three key employees (out of 14 at that time) decided to leave our company. They all reported that the timing was coincidental and not due to working conditions. A new supervisor is promoted in the warehouse.

• October 2020 – Family home in Omak is sold. We move my parents into an over 55 community and one of our long-term employees retires.

• January 2021 – I am promoted to Chief Operations Officer and our owner semi-retires. I take on additional responsibilities while helping my family in Omak, Spokane, and running our business. The supply chain crisis is in full swing. What is usually a 12-week lead time for overseas parts became a 6-12 month lead time. We expand the warehouse storage capacity and analyze customer forecasts out to 18 months.

• February 2021 – My Dad has a heart attack. He survives, but recovery is slow. 

• March 2021 – We attempt to bring our full crew back to working on site. Within two weeks, there is an outbreak, and we decide to revert back to a hybrid remote workforce.  I am accepted into Alpha Sigma Nu.  My Dad passes on the 27th, and is finally in heaven with Jesus. I spend the next month working three days in Spokane and four days in Omak. Most classes are zoom-based, so I install high-speed internet at Mom’s and set up a complete office.

• April 2021 - I am inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu.  My Dad was so proud.  I'm thankful I was able to tell him about it before he passed on.  

• September 2021 – The Veteran’s cemetery finally has staff to process burials. We lay Dad to rest.

• December 2021 – We celebrate our most successful year on record at our company.

• January 2022 – Final term of the ORGL program begins.

• April 2022 – My capstone project is complete, and I am selected to serve on the Board of Directors for the Fastener Training Institute.

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     With all of the challenges and personal loss, I questioned whether or not this was the right time to complete this degree. When we lost Dad, I was in ORGL 615, which I thought to be the most complex and time-consuming class in the curriculum. I considered leaving the program but was given wise counsel by Dr. Michael Aucoin and decided to persevere. Dr. Aucoin spent his personal time with me, on the phone from Texas and even on the weekend, to help me. He taught me to let the perfectionist go and give myself some grace. He was patient, empathetic, and insightful. I cannot thank him enough for his wisdom and kindness.

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    There were additional challenges and details throughout this timeline, but none were terribly out of the ordinary. We continue working with an unstable supply chain and a hybrid workforce as of April 2022. Our owner has not sold the business and does not appear interested in doing so in the near future. If it happens, I have new tools in my leadership toolbox to utilize and will have a “shiny, new degree” to present as I search for a new job in my mid-50’s. God is good, and He will provide for my family. I have faith in Him. 

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     Oh, and I managed to somehow maintain a 4.0.  Thank you again to my husband, family and co-workers who supported me in this achievement.  I am grateful.