This week’s vlog is very special indeed as Dennis offers his FINAL video message. Yes, after a long and illustrious career including 21 years helping The Family Business Institute grow and prosper, Dennis is hanging it up for good.
Reflecting on a most productive and influential business career, Dennis summarizes the top 10 things he learned along the way. Interestingly, almost none of his top 10 has to do with what one might term the concrete aspects of business: operations, finance, sales, HR, supervision, etc. What do you think? Does Dennis’ top 10 resonate with you? What would you add?
Please share in the comments your recollections of how Dennis helped you, and let’s give him the warmest of goodbyes. Thank you.
Please come back later for transcript
Thanks for the many lessons, Dennis. Enjoy retirement!
Appreciate it, Jeff.
I have a stack of notecards where I have written down many of your words of wisdom. Thanks so much for your optimism and willingness to share so much of yourself over the years.
You will be missed!
Thanks, Ryan. And, good luck to you and Resolute!
Dennis, thank you for your valuable insight on life and business over the years. You’ve made a difference! Best to you and the family in retirement. Continued health and happiness.
Marco,
I hope I have made a difference. If so, it is due to the great people and companies I had the privilege of working with over the years. MTECH is one of the amazing success stories.
Thanks for your powerful message and your willingness to share it with us. I am confident that with your values and vision that the best is yet to be. Let me know if I can ever be of any help. All the best going forward.
Arnie,
Really appreciate it. And, best of luck to you and yours.
Dennis
Dennis, thank you for sharing your experiences and many lessons! Enjoy your well deserved retirement!
Thanks, Jeff. You set a great example for ESOP companies. Enjoy the great Shenandoah Valley!
Dennis
Thank you for wisdom! Have a great life!
Back at you Ann!. Thanks much for your help over the years.
Dennis
Thank you Dennis, you are truly one of a kind. I’m a better leader and our company is better because of crossing paths with you. Be very proud of all the lives you’ve touched and all you have accomplished. Have a great retirement, my friend.
Mark,
Thanks for your kindness. You and Stevens have set great examples for leadership, performance and success over the years.
Dennis
Dennis thank you for all the profound hands on experience wisdom you have shared with us for several years. I know it will benefit the leaders of our Company for a long time. All the very best to you, Mark
Mark,
Thanks for the kind words. Keep making the great state of Wisconsin great. I’ll be up visiting family and playing some tennis next week!
Dennis
Thanks for your words of wisdom over the years Dennis, enjoy retirement.
Ron,
Appreciate it! Keep up the great work and attitude.
Dennis
Thanks for sharing your valuable wisdom, Dennis! Embracing self-care by sleeping and exercising properly are definitely essential in today’s world! Best.
Thanks, Carlos. Best of luck to you and yours.
Dennis
Dennis, thanks for sharing your talents and positive spirit with us for so many years! Your wisdom (from being a “learning machine”!) and can-do attitude have truly been contagious and helped us all wake up a little better versions of ourselves each day. I hope you will still be available and we will have the benefits of your counsel, although enjoy those relationships and staying active–mind, body, and spirit!
Take care,
Kevin
PS. It was the great philosopher, Yogi Berra, who advised us to take the fork in the road!
I should have remembered that! That reminds me that “it ain’t over ’til it’s over.” Thanks for your kind thoughts and I will stay active!
Dennis
Congratulations Dennis – great advice!
Appreciate it Dave! I hope you have continued success leading a great organization!
Dennis
What an awesome video. Thank you Dennis for sharing all these valuable insights!
Josh, thanks and I hope they provide some value for you and your family.
Dennis
Thank you for sharing your experiences and wisdom with us over the years. More than anything else, thank you for your friendship! Wishing you the best in your future endeavors. Well done.
Dennis, thanks and right back at you on the friendship! I hope Lily is still enjoying the tennis and/or cheering.
Dennis
Dennis, great content as always. Thank you for your perspective and wisdom. The entire Benike family appreciates your generosity, care, and willingness to share yourself and “build better contractors.” We’re a better contractor, better leaders, and hopefully on the right-side-of-the-fork pathway thanks to your guidance. We miss you already! Enjoy your next phase. Best wishes.
Mike,
You and your family have been one of the great groups to work with over the years, setting a great example for the industry, community and your team of employees. Wishing you continued success!
Dennis
Congratulations on your retirement, Dennis! Wishing you endless joy and relaxation.
Mark,
Thanks so much – got a good start on that endless joy and relaxation!
Dennis
As alway Dennis, well done. From the heart and spot on. Going to miss your messages. I also value and appreciate the leadership and facilitation you gave our peer group thru the years. Best wishes for good health and keep playing tennis!! Hope to see you somehow/someway along the way. Be well!
Jim,
I know our paths will cross again. Keep up the positive leadership for your family and company.
Dennis
Dennis
You have been such a great influence for so many people! I really have appreciated all your insights in the business world! Thank you for so much for all you have done for us all! Enjoy retirement! You will be missed! Best of Luck
Jesse,
Thanks for the kind words. I hope Central continues to kill it up in Montana!
Dennis
Dennis, great stuff. Thanks for the memories and good luck on your next “career”.
Will miss your insight, Dennis. Wish our paths and companies could have crossed.
Best wishes in your retirement.
We’ll all miss Dennis’ insights, Todd. Thanks!
Excellent sharing Dennis. It surely resonates with my ideal of a matured happy family business veteran. At the end of the day, it is not money or anything, but how much fulfilled you feel.
Dennis, thank you for being the teacher, leader that your are. I enjoyed out times together and am better for them. Thanks for sharing your top ten life lessons in your final vlog. A lot of wisdom there.