At Willmar Electric we celebrate January 6th every year. It is the birthday of our Grandfather and former co-owner of Willmar Electric, Elmo Chapin. He was 1/2 of the second generation of family ownership. For the better part of the 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s he worked alongside his younger brother, Frank, among many other people to make Willmar Electric what it is today.
Every year I like to stop and take the time to remember our Grandpa and hopefully inspire others for at least one day to "be like Elmo." I understand it isn't a very catching phrase but what can you do, he was named Elmo, not Mike. (Although he had a nephew and great Grandson named Mike.)
This year I think I will just go with some quick bullet points on thing about Elmo Chapin I think all of should do more of:
-Give people second (or third or fourth) chance.
-Laugh.
-Help others. Even we they are a strangers.
-Leave the room better then you found it and shut the light off when you leave.
-Take time to invest in others.
-Don't always be in a rush to get to the next thing.
-Take a nap.
-Use things up before you throw them away.
-Understand there might be more than one use for something.
-Try new things.
-Call Larry Marcus boss.
-Treat your wife like a queen to the very end.
My challenge to you on January 6th is do at least two things off the list above. Normally I only ask for one but this year we can aim higher.
(I'll let you earn bonus points if you send a note to Great Uncle Frank telling him his is awesome. Why? Because like our Grandpa we think Frank is awesome and since he is alive and well we have the chance to honor him while he is still with us. Contact me if you need the address.)
