Sure I have twenty five years of professional experience as well as two college degrees. Although that has been important to my career, it was not the most important. Learning loyalty, character, honesty, and the ability to work hard are all attributes that I must thank my family first for. I was blessed with great friends, unbelievable family, including aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents.
My Grandpa Dale, taught me that you kept your word no matter what, PERIOD. You extended your hand, looked a person straight in the eyes, shook their hand firmly, and kept your promise.
When I was a youngster I threw a rock and broke a neighbors window. Before the neighbor was able to get around to the side of the house I was gone! I did go home and tell my mother. She marched down the street with me and made me knock on the neighbor's door and apologize, pay for the window, and even rack his leaves.
I have told clients for years that this is the Donna Erickson Warranty. The lesson I have carried through my career and now preach it to my own children. You cannot promise that you will not have something go wrong, but when you do have something go wrong you need to step up and take responsibility and even give them more then you took. My reputation and my word are the most important thing I have. I take it very seriously when I look someone in the eye, offer my handshake and keeping my word.
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