As a long-time educator, I hope to provide you with some valuable learning points you might share with your children, grandchildren, or friends. But, first, let me provide you with a brief chronology of my work experience.
I was accepted for aircrew training in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1966, within a month of my sixteenth birthday. At
the time, I was told that I was probably the youngest person ever selected. I was in the last cohort of approximately 70 candidates who were tested at Centralia, Ontario. Three were selected, but before I was to report a few months later, Central Officers School was moved to HMCS Venture in Esquimalt, B.C. I just about finished my basic training before I asked for a discharge. I may possibly be the youngest candidate to ever get an honoura- ble discharge from the RCAF. I don’t regret my decision.
I left B.C. by train, heading for my home in Nova Scotia. By the time I got to Montreal, I had enough train travel and I decided to visit some friends for a few days. Eventually, I decided to continue my journey, and I arrived in New Glasgow on a Satur- day at noon. The local newspaper had one adver- tised job: order-desk salesperson for a national industrial distributor, Railway & Power Engineering (subsequently Canrep, and the Canrep/Morse). I wasn’t sure what this involved, but first thing Mon- day morning I called to apply. I was told that the position had just been filled. When I asked if they had informed the candidate yet and they told me no, I suggested they might want to talk to me first (early sign that I had sales aptitude).
It was a small office with only eight people. Alt- hough I was told I was too young to have signing authority, I was appointed office manager at age 19. I was told that when I reached 25, I would be promoted to outside sales. However, at 23, follow- ing the sudden death of my boss, I was promoted senior sales representative and given his car and territories: Newfoundland, northern New Bruns- wick, and the Gaspe Peninsula. I subsequently worked for two other sales organizations: Specialty Steels (Atlantic District Manager) and Process &
Steam Specialties (District Manager, Atlantic Re- gion).
During my time in sales, I completed my MBA at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax. In 1986, I left sales to continue my studies for a Ph.D. in Busi- ness (Marketing) at the Ivey Business School. From there, I taught at Wilfrid Laurier University (4 years), Memorial University of Newfoundland (10 years), and Brock University (16 years). During my time in academia, I have presented at dozens of conferences, published dozens of papers and busi- ness cases, and have authored and co-authored more than 20 books. I have taught in Europe (France, Denmark, England) and in the Middle East (United Arab Emirates). I am currently “on the slope.” I have no further formal responsibilities at Brock University, but my salary continues until June 30, 2020.
Lessons Learned:
Don’t be afraid to change careers until you find something you truly love.
Your life depends on many decisions you make, some very small, and some not entirely planned.
A lot of what happens to you depends on being in the right place, at the right time (if you are pre- pared).
Travel. The world is a lot smaller than you think.
Current interests: writing, consulting, drinking wine.