LapakaGroup LLC

"Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little." - Edmund Burke

This past Sunday - September 11, 2016 - was my 66th birthday. The date has become synonymous with Islamic terrorism , tragic loss of life, and a prelude to war. But, in my typical fashion, I saw some levity in my age and realized that I have many similar attributes to another American memorial - Route 66! Once upon a time, we were both proud, magnificent, and in demand. We took people (businesses, in my case) to new places and new ideas. We held great surprises and grand vie...ws. We were important and in demand! Now, we are hard to find, broken up, and almost forgotten. But we have built legacies, changed people's lives, and showed so many that obstacles can be overcome. Most importantly, there are still some significant attractions that can still be found with both of us. You might have to get off the Interstate (or the fast track) but it is ALWAYS a treat!

"Be a warrior, instead of a soldier" - George William Cowsert In 2011, just before my son's 11th birthday, my wife and I were taking one of my business partners out to dinner. My son, George, was with us, listening to Sam - a very successfull multi-millionaire - discuss why people don't succeed, even when they have the tools and support they require. Out of nowhere, George pops up and says, "They're thinking like soldiers. They need to think like warriors! Soldiers need order...s and do what they're told. Warriors do whatever is necessary." After at least 15 very long seconds of silence, the adults started laughing. A ten-year-old child had discovered a profound truth! A truth so profound that Sam used it on his very next training conference call with his business team, which numbered near 30,000, at the time. So, by even making the statement, George proved himself to be a warrior. Now, here's where I've taken it for some of my clients: If you want to truly succeed in business - or life, for that matter - you must be more than a soldier. Soldiers are important and necessary. They are disciplined, trained, and drilled to follow orders and function within the guidelines of the "mission". Soldiers are necessary in business. They are the hard workers who show up at the appointed time, do the appointed tasks, and leave at the appointed time. A warrior is bold, takes risks, meets the enemy head-on, and never flinches at the challenge he faces. A warrior sees a goal and fights through seemingly insurmountable forces to reach the prize. A warrior has a "big picture" vision of what is to be accomplished. A WARRIOR DOES WHATEVER IS NECESSARY, going above and beyond the call of duty. If we are to rise above the noise of mediocrity and achieve something great, we must be WARRIORS. Please feel free to "FOLLOW" this page and share this with your friends and, by all means, leave a comment.

"It's hard to cry when you're puckered for a whistle." - W. Eugene Cowsert There has been so much hate, evil, and political corruption, lately, that all of us in this great nation feel like crying. We need to focus on the goodness that exists in all of us and show respect to all Americans. Just take some time today to whistle a tune. I bet it will lift your spirits and put a smile on your face, regardless of what mood you're in!

I am very proud and blessed to live in this wonderful nation called The United States of America. With all our spots and faults, we are still the envy of the world. HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

For many years, I have heard some great, casual comments from people I admired and respected, that seemed to simply be; non-chalant quips. As I grew older and entered the work force, those comments began to feel more philosophical. I am now in the midst of writing a book about the sayings and how they have helped me help others, as a "Business Therapist". Here's one that I'm currently writing on: "IT'S HARD TO CRY, WHEN YOU'RE PUCKERED FOR A WHISTLE."... Think about it and let me know how you interpret the meaning.

6 June 1944. The invasion of Fortress Europa. Teenagers and 20somethings fighting and defeating the greatest evil the world had ever seen. The Greatest Generation!