I am amazed every time my friend Rob Caldwell introduces a speaker.

 

Introducing speakers – doing a good job of introducing speakers – that’s an art.

 

For a couple of years now, I have wanted to talk with Rob about this. I have wanted to know how he came to be so skilled at introducing speakers.

 

Was Rob born with the talent?

 

Did he learn it?

 

If so – when?...and – from whom?

 

It seemed to me, if I could write about Rob’s experience then that story would help other folks:

1. Understand the importance linked to the role of introducing speakers, and
2. Perform better when they are called upon to introduce a speaker.

I know no one more capable than Rob of providing advice on this topic.

 

Earlier this month, I finally took the time to ask Rob these important questions.

 

I asked Rob how he came to be so skilled at introducing speakers. Now, it seemed to me Rob was truly surprised by my question. He talked about local people who impressed him when they are called to introduce speakers. He talked about the speaking skills of David Johnston…and the speaking skills of his long-time friend John Turner. Perhaps, like many skilled folks, Rob does not understand the exceptional role model he provides when he introduces speakers?

 

I offered more details to explain what impressed me when Rob served as emcee and we talked.

 

Then Rob shared a most-memorable story with me:

 

When Rob was a young man, still in his teens, he was asked to introduce the well-known local politician - Mr. John Wintermeyer. Mr Wintermeyer was our MPP, representing Waterloo North. In the late 1950’s and early 1960’s Mr Wintermeyer had served as leader of the Liberal Party of Ontario. In that position he came close to becoming premier.  Following a brief retirement he attempted to run again as a member of provincial parliament, representing the people of Galt. 

 

Rob Caldwell was invited to introduce him to the nomination meeting - as a very young liberal.

 

Rob was in Grade 12 at the time. Mr. Wintermeyer was a senior politician, with an impressive track record. The audience was about 400 people and the event was held at Southwood Secondary School.

 

And – Rob did I very good job of it.

 

That is how Rob began to introduce speakers.

 

At this point in Rob’s story I began to ask questions:

• How did you come to have such ability at such a young age?
• What did you do that allowed you to stand up in front of 400 people and do a good job of it?

Rob explained…

• As a youth he got tongue-tied, he stammered. This made public speaking a real challenge. This made public speaking a very stressful activity. Rob knew he needed to take action to overcome his difficulty. He decided on two major strategies: to speak slowly and to practice quite a bit.

There is a parallel here. Rob and I talked about the wonderful movie ‘The King’s Speech’. Both Rob and I thought Colin Firth did a tremendous job of the lead role. When I watched him perform I could feel the King’s frustration and his desire to overcome. At the theatre, the audience resonated with Firth’s gripping portrayal of human triumph.

 

Perhaps, it was this movie that caused me to slow down enough to talk with Rob about this talent – introducing speakers.

 

Back to Rob’s story…

• Somehow, as a teenager Rob understood it was important to understand the person he was about to introduce. So, Rob did research on John Wintermeyer.
• Somehow, he understood it was important to include personal things. So, Rob talked about Mr Wintermeyer’s ties with our local Mennonite community.
• Somehow, he understood the need to be very well-prepared, leaving nothing to chance. So, Rob studied and practiced and blended in his personal style.

That was an introduction of how Rob began to introduce speakers.

 

… to be continued

Two separate paths came together.

 

One path started at a farm near the Pioneer Tower, by our Grand River.

 

The other path started in England…then crossed the ocean to end up at our Cambridge.

 

The two paths came together in 1970 when the country fellow, Gary, met the city girl, Marie.

 

That is a very quick summary of how the second generation of the Pioneer Craftsmen family business came about. Gary Adam’s father, Ken Adam, started the company in 1953 when he transitioned from farming to building and home renovations.

 

In 1972 Marie and Gary married and they had two sons, Jamie and Jeff. Jamie chose to work at the family business. Jeff is a teacher in Kitchener.

 

Since the 1970’s Gary and Marie have worked together, building the family business. Their grounding forces were hard work, care for clients, and an ability to read the market.

 

That’s the solid ground Pioneer Craftsmen has been built on for over 30 years.

 

Marie summed it up this way, “If you don’t treat your clients well and give them more than they expect then you are not going to be successful in business”.

 

That way of thinking existed from the start, when Ken Adam created the business. Ken is fondly remembered as a man who was “light on talk and heavy on walk”. Ken was a family-business role model for Gary and Marie and also their son Jamie who became President of the family business in 2009.

 

Marie and Gary are a close couple: they credit one another for providing long-term support…good sounding boards for one another…and helping one another see the big picture. And, it’s also important to have fun…that’s key to survival.

 

That’s strong fabric for a family business!

 

 

Gary and Marie Adam

 

Sharing fond memories…

 

When asked about fond memories, Marie smiled and told the story of her teenage son, Jamie, making his way to and from job sites on his bicycle during the summer. This started in 1988 when Jamie was 14 years old. “It was expected he find his way. He never asked for a ride”.

 

Then, another broad smile as Mom admitted – “I did drive him once in a while when it was pouring rain”.

 

Jamie, the 3rd generation Pioneer Craftsmen Adam, studied and worked through the roles of labourer, office, sales, and General Manager before earning the role of President.

 

A long-time employee, Paul Meier, also worked his way up from on site roles to Sales Manager. Paul is now part owner of the company.

 

Paul and Jamie will be the guiding forces as Pioneer Craftsmen steps toward its exciting future.

 

 

Jamie Adam & Paul Meier
“Poised to take Pioneer Craftsmen to the next level!”

 

Marie’s story continued…

 

 

***

 

Pioneer Craftsmen works out of its new home at 1510 Victoria Street North, Kitchener.

 

 

The Pioneer Craftsmen team, at their new Kitchener work place.

 

Pioneer Craftsmen is proud of the strong client relationships it has built.

 

Here is a sample to explain what that means: in the early 1980`s Pioneer Craftsmen did a project for a client in Guelph. During a recent visit this client mentioned to Gary that Pioneer Craftsmen became part of the family during that renovation. That’s why they have chosen Pioneer Craftsmen to do all renovation work over a period of almost 30 years and 22 projects.

 

When clients consider you part of their family…that’s business excellence!

 

And that is one of the stories Jamie, Paul, Gary, and Marie use to help their team understand their company’s client relationship goals.

 

A couple of samples of the impressive work Pioneer Craftsmen is doing at our community:

 

Before Pioneer Craftsmen magic	After Pioneer Craftsmen magic

 

Before Pioneer Craftsmen magic	After Pioneer Craftsmen magic

 

Awesome work!

 

 

Family: that’s the starting point for a family business.

 

And, it is the ending point for this Family Business Success Story.

 

Marie and Gary Adam enjoy 4 grandchildren: Marcus, Johnathan, Maddy, and Kaylee.

 

Here’s a picture of Marie & Gary, their sons Jamie & Jeff and their sons` families…having fun!

 

 

Congratulations to a fine local family and a fine local family business!