Have no regrets

A man of 102 years was being interviewed on the eve of his 103rd birthday.
His interviewers were several of todays up and coming business leaders, and the topic was that of his long and lasting success.

As the distinguished man took his seat at the table, the first young man couldn't be bothered to wait until he'd fully seated and invited questioning.

Boldly, the young man of no more than 25 years asked "Mr. Torsen, how is it that your business has outlasted depressions, recessions and even wars?".

Without hesitation and without the least bit of angst, the distinguished gentleman replied "When people were hungry, we had food".

As the older gentleman was attempting to open the floor to questioning, another youngster of 30 or less, jumped up and asked "Torsen, how have you managed to maintain such a devoted employee roster, and even generations of the same families?"

With no slightest temper toward such an outburst as he was trying to speak, he answered "There were people who needed jobs, that's who I hired".

Noticing that two others had dismissed with such niceties as common courtesy. others of the young men and women began to jump up and begin screaming their questions ever louder to be heard over the crowd.

The gentleman of many years wisdom had noticed one young lad who must have been fresh out school, politely raising his hand in hopes of being recognized and having his question heard. As he tried to point out to the young man, one shrill voice came to the top of all the other commotion.

A lady of age 20 to 35 was wanting to know "Amongst all your competitors, you've risen to the top, to what do you credit this level of success?"

Once again the man showed no disdain as he answered the lady's question. "We sold no item or service that was questionable, nor did we advertise ourselves to be the better of any".

This went on for upwards of 20 minutes as the gentleman would each time, try to call on the young lad in the back who was still patiently holding his hand raised. Each time he would answer their questions and each time they seemed to despise his answers.

Who would you say was your greatest help in becoming the success you are today?

"Well each and everyone who's ever worked for us" he replied.

Why did your biggest customers remain faithful to your business when other companies advertised the same goods and services at better rates?

"We knew that our customers were our true employers and that it was in fact them who paid to build our company to such a scale as it is today", was his answer.

Finally the gentleman who was to turn 103 years old the following day, had taken all he could and stood up raising both hands in a "stop your commotion" gesture.

Some heeded this gesture, but many did not, so he called out aloud "Stop your hollering and let me call upon a young lad at the rear".

Eventually the crowd regained enough composure as to fall from deafening screams to disgusted whispers. It was then that he was finally able to call upon the young man who'd so politely waited to be called upon.

"Young man, you there at the back with your hand raised, what may I offer you in terms of response to what questions you may have"?

Somewhat surprised, the young lad pointed to himself in questioning if the gentleman did in fact, mean him.

"Yes you lad, you have the floor" he responded.

"Yes sir, thank you" the young man replied. "Sir, I have two questions if I may".

Noting the elder gentleman's acknowledgement that two questions would be fine, the lad asked his first question.

"Sir, I wonder if you'd have any advice for someone wanting to begin in this modern day, with the tact that you and your company have shown for so many years."

"I do son, I do" he replied. Most important above all else, is that you never forget yourself and your place. If you can't do that, you can't hope to achieve much of lasting merit".

"Thank you Sir", the youngster responded. "Lastly, I hoped you would share some advice on making the right moves and the right choices".

"Certainly son, I'd be most happy to. If you'll come up here and sit beside me, I'll share the greatest knowledge I can impart", was the response given the young man.

With that the young man, though obviously embarrassed, walked his way to the table and sat beside his advisor.

"First, I'd like to ask you some questions son, if that's all right", spoke the older gentleman as the youngster took his seat.

"Y' Yes Sir" the boy responded.

"Are you looking to start your own company soon?"

"Oh, no Sir." replied the young man. "I'm looking to be successful in business, but not my own".

"Do you know what business you plan to enter, lad?"

"Well, Sir, I'm hoping to go to work for a company who could really use me. One that I could be a real part of and be proud of, but no Sir, I have no specific business in mind at this point".

"I had no idea of what I'd do for a living myself, when I started offering to fix things for people. None the less, this began what is my business today".

"Do you really think you have what it takes to make a business successful and therefore, all of it's workers and associates"?

"Yes Sir, I do. I don't claim to have the knowledge to do it all, but I do have the drive and the moral fiber to do it. If there's one thing I will not allow myself, it's to fail for lack of self".

"Then good Sir, you have everything you need to be successful, but I did agree to impart wisdom on your success. Son, the one thing you need to remember and never let go of, is what you heard, saw and were a part of today, for it may well be the very start of your eventual great success".

"Rely on your morals son, rely on your trusted help, and you'll have no regrets, as I have none to this very moment".

The following day, the young man began work as Mr. Torsen's assistant and 'right hand man'.

His day began as any other would in the world of business and the young man never once let up or so much as sighed at any task given. He worked the full day as though he'd been an employee there for his entire life. He crunched numbers, he filed papers, he typed reports and offered suggestions when asked. His work load was no different than that of assistant manager.

He took word of his boss, to his fellow employee of a meeting to be had the following week. He took a moment with each person he met, to try to get to know them. He never let up and he never once showed anything but respect to anyone he met.

Later in the day, near quitting time, Mr. Torsen asked him if he'd stay past work for his boss's 103rd birthday party. Happily he replied that he'd be honored.

Hardly an employee was missing from the celebration. The only few who didn't attend, were those who had obligations that wouldn't permit.

Every face wore a smile. Every voice held a joyous tone, and everyone there was having fun. It was as if it was one great family.

Noticing this, the young man looked to his boss and said "Mr. Torsen, it's family isn't it? Family is the big secret of success. Everyone here is one big happy family and that's what makes it all work so well".

"Son you've given me the greatest birthday gift a man of my age could ever want, you've given me my retirement".

From the following morning, as he was officially named as Mr. Torsen's chosen replacement, the young man worked every moment as if it was his greatest honor.

Mr. Torsen remained with the lad for 3 months to teach him all he needed to know about running the business and ensure that all of the company's workers and associates were accustomed to the new 'Boss'.

After remaining 1 more month, to ensure that his new company manager had all things well in hand, Mr. Torsen took his retirement.

On the eve of Mr. Torsen's 104th birthday, he passed while napping on his front porch.

The following day, the young man who'd once asked advice of Mr. Torsen, only to become his chosen replacement, closed the business at regular hours and held a grand 104th birthday party for his predecessor.

The following day, workers arrived to see a new slogan below the sign denoting the name of the business. It read:

Everything you need to be successful
Remember and never let go
Have no regrets

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This just a story, fictional and of a simple mind.
Only one character of this story is (loosely) based on a real individual. I'll leave it to your imagination.

Frank Hanby