Marching Toward Opportunity!

My friend, Mark Maxwell, recently told me this story about our deceased and loved high school band director, Mr. David A.Wells after learning of my job loss.

When David A. Wells was looking for a job, he applied at his Alma mater and was turned down. Not willing to give-up, he applied and was hired at Lexington High School (just 7 miles south of his Alma mater). In two years, he turned the music program at Lexington High School into one of the finest in the USA.

The moral of the story:
Stay positive and make the best of the opportunities available.

David A. (as he was affectionately known) was a less abrasive version of General George Patton. David conquered his goals without hesitation or fear. He connected with students, parents, and audiences throughout his life. Mr. Wells had the clarity and vision of the short term plan to reach long term goals. I’ve never known anyone who has mastered those principles so efficiently and effectively.

Through hard work, persistence and perseverance; we succeeded. The gleam in David A’s eyes and his resounding smile was his assurance to us on exceeding his expectations. Those precious moments made all of our sweat, pain, rehearsals and time worth the effort- ten-fold.

I want to thank Mark Maxwell for his thoughtfulness and bringing me back to my roots. Sometimes, we become so caught up in the moment; we fail to realize we have been given the tools to succeed.

Opportunity surrounds us, if we choose to look and march straight ahead. We are only limited by our own fear and parameters we set against ourselves.

This is going to be a blast!

(If you want to discover The Legacy of David A. Wells, order a copy today!)

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

10 reasons- Why You Should read This Book!

10 reasons why you should read the book:

1.  It was written from the heart.

2.  It is a success story. We get bombarded daily with bad news stories; it’s time to read something positive!

3.  It was written to honor a friend and outstanding organization.

4.  It is an enjoyable, interesting read of winning, losing, pride, joy, sweat, laughter, and tears.

5.  It is a timeless story of visionary leadership and motivation.

6.  It provides key principles for any individual or group to become successful and improve their lives.

7.  It will make you want to read it again and again.

8.  It has pictures of pretty girls and students wearing funny shaped hats.

9.  It's something you owe to yourself to read.

10.  It's- Something Meaningful that Matters!

 

25% Christmas Discount

 Send a check or money order for $24.00 (includes snail mail delivery) to:

Paradiddle Publishing

PO Box 984

Mansfield, Ohio 44903

or

 Order from this website (on the right side of page)!

This book is the perfect gift for a current music student, ex-band member or simply anyone who wants to be inspired by motivation, perseverance, innovation and success. Most importantly, it’s about the impact one person can make within other’s lives.  

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Lessons Learned in Commission Sales!

The local markets in Lexington, Ohio are no longer carrying my book. Sales through Wayne’s Country Market dissipated to the point of not justifying shelf space. 

The other shop basically ripped me off by losing  a portion of my sales money or failed to charge correctly on a half a dozen books. This was really disappointing since 10% of the sales were to be donated to the Lexington, Ohio High School Music Boosters and a relative of the store formerly served with the Music Boosters.

Previously in 2011, I was shorted on sales for the book perhaps due to the store offering another book being sold for $17.00 at the store. I had provided the store with flyers and posters and a plastic display case for the book; the owner claimed the staff must have charged incorrectly for the book. I reasoned it was no big deal. I would just absorb the small loss.

When I dropped by the store (this Spring) to view how the sales were going;  I still had two or three books out of a dozen left on display. The envelope of my earnings was missing of prior books sold. The owner didn’t offer to compensate anything for my loss. I was upset and surprised at the total lack of accountability from him. He blamed his clerks for not separating my money from the customers overall sales. The loss- $100.00.

I purposely walked out of the store, knowing a couple copies were still on display.

So earlier this week, I stopped by to see if the handling of the sales had improved. The owner looked down under the counter and said the last book was their forever, finally sold and he didn’t have any money from the sale. No apology- Nothing!

I walked out of the store disgusted.

It’s a shame this establishment given their history and connection to the community in Lexington, Ohio couldn’t have been accountable. I personally don’t recommend shopping at this establishment because they failed to honor a simple verbal agreement regarding commission sales.

The Good News!

I will compensate the 10% fund out of my own pocket for the lost or stolen money from those sales. In hindsight, I should have monitored sales closer early on, but given the reputation and connection to the boosters program I really didn’t expect this outcome or their inability to correct the problem.

Brent Stephenson of Wayne’s Country Market did a terrific job of selling my book, positioning my book within the store for optimal sales and keeping excellent track of sales by issuing a check for every dozen books sold. Given the volume of business Wayne's Country Market provides, Brent and the owners are outstanding people to work with! I highly recommend shopping at their market.

Meanwhile, I am offering a 25% Christmas Special Discount on:

 The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School Band of Gold.

Between now and December 25^th-
 
Send a check or money order for $24.00 (includes shipping) to:

Paradiddle Publishing

PO Box 984

Mansfield, Ohio 44903

This book is the perfect gift for the ex-Band of Gold member or simply anyone who wants to be inspired by motivation, perseverance, innovation, goals and success. Most importantly, it’s about the impact- one person can make in other’s lives.  

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

He simply- Watched, Listened and Learned!

Photo courtesy of: WMFD.

I remember during my first book signing, many classmates, old friends, teachers and former board members made an appearance. It was an exciting moment, but at the same time a bit awkward.  The biggest surprise came when a local TV crew arrived with a newspaper reporter from a local newspaper to interview me.

 I was definitely pumped.

Perhaps the biggest take-away was the impression a former classmate made on me that stormy day.

 Photo coutesy of: WMFD

When Michael Gough arrived at the signing table, I was startled. He threw $60.00 down in front of me. I asked him how many books he wanted and his rely was: “one.” I explained the price was far less than the amount on the table and he said: “Keep it. You deserve it for all you’ve done to write a book honoring the late David A. Wells.”

I was flabbergasted, Mike refused the change from the sale and it was clear it would be an insult to pursue the matter further.

Mike Gough was a guy, who didn’t run in the same circle of friends or attend the same classes with me in high school. Mike successfully started his own business and was doing well.

Mike felt that the city of Lexington, Ohio should name the street the high school resides on, after the former band director, David A. Wells, which my book was written in honor of. I agree.

The thought never occurred to me, but Mike Gough has always been very observant. Mr. Gough also mentioned the impact David A. (as we use to refer to him as) made in many students lives. The information Mike had knowledge of amazed me, considering he never played an instrument, nor was a member of The Lexington Band of Gold.

He simply watched, listened and learned.

Running into Mike that day made me realize how little we attempt to meet people and discover what we have in common. Life is so busy or we become so involved in our immediate surroundings, we seldom notice those on the fringe. Observing the quality, wisdom and conscience of someone is a great method to surround yourself with positive influences.

It’s been awhile since I’ve seen my friend, Mike Gough.

I hope all is well with him and his business.

 He deserves it!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

The Power of Believing in Someone!

While attending a funeral, I spoke with the Pastor prior to the services. We discussed the importance of the power of belief in our fellow man. The value of belief can be unmeasurable and is magnified throughout history in stories of success with life changing results . Here is one example of the powerful lesson of belief. 

 The Pastor told me a story of a music instructor that took him under his wing and taught the young man how to play an instrument. The young man had transferred between several different school systems during elementary and junior high school and was unable to play a note or read music.

One day the music instructor called him into the office. He said to the student: “You don’t know how to make a sound out of your instrument do you?” The student shook his head. The director promised free lessons, providing he practiced and made a solid effort. The director also informed the student that one day- a favor would be asked in return. The student agreed to the proposal.

The kid was in awe. Someone actually believed in him and was willing to take the time to teach the skills necessary to play his instrument.

The young student attended the lessons, practiced daily and progressed. He enjoyed performing with the band and establishing friendships within the band program.

Then one day the director called the student into his office. The student thought he was in trouble. The director said: “Remember when we made the agreement- I would provide you with free lessons and one day a favor would be asked?” The student nodded his head.  The director continued: “Well, this summer you will be a freshmen and I want you to go to band camp and play in the marching band.”

The student was ecstatic. Once again, someone believed in him enough to mentor him and provide encouragement. The student participated in various music activities during his four years of high school. Discipline, leadership and perseverance were taught in the music program.

Had it not been for the band director, the student would have quit band and perhaps followed the wrong crowd. He may have never felt the inspiration of someone believing in him.

Today, Dr. Dave Atkins leads a ministry rescuing orphaned babies and children in Thailand. A majority of the ministry is spent rescuing young girls from a life of prostitution. Many of the young girls contract AIDS and die by the age of fourteen due to the sex slave trade market in Thailand, a corrupted Government and Western tourism. It’s a daily human meat market in Thailand.

Warning: Some may find this video offensive or shocking, but it serves a valid point against the degradation of children involved in the barbaric sex slave trade industry.

 Dr. David Atkins is providing many of those little souls with their first real hope of opportunity in life and saving the lives of boys and girls.

All because one man- David A. Wells; believed in him.

That is the power of believing in someone.

 It touches lives and produces a domino effect.

Provide hope and inspiration to someone today. It is priceless!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Don't Stop Believin'

 While writing and self-publishing my last book, instead of receiving positive remarks many of the comments were negative. People don’t want you to attempt to do what they don’t have the patience or interest to do.

Those sometimes well-meaning comments were tough on me because I was doing something meaningful for myself and my core audience. Those naysayers could have been roadblocks, despite the hurt- I forged ahead.

I accomplished my goal and succeeded in realizing I could create a future platform of income simply by persisting in my desire to do something meaningful.

Those same people now say: “I can’t believe you did that. I couldn’t have done it.”

The truth is those folks won’t take the time, do the research or take a chance of doing something they’ve never done before. They’ve convinced themselves to accept mediocrity.

It’s easy to live a daily routine and never challenge yourself. Living in the Rust Belt has taught us to follow the instruction manual. We aren’t supposed to step outside the box or think for ourselves. We might fail and in the process actually learn something new and discover we are capable of doing things we never thought possible.

No, we’re better off shackled to a job we hate in order to survive, until we are no longer useable or have too much tenure; then we are tossed to the curb and replaced with a younger employee.

I believe there is a huge difference between surviving and living. The difference between living your dreams and living to dream is distinct. Living in the Rust Belt has stolen the dreams for many over the years and all that remains is a broken spirit.  

 “The person who says something is impossible should not interrupt the person who is doing it.” - Chinese proverb

I no longer accept “side offers” or wish to join someone’s fantasy league. I refuse to allow anyone to derail my plans or break my spirit.

In the months ahead, I will accomplish many new goals to help those in need of turning their lives around. The need for hope in the Rust Belt is great and the chance to start a new journey and assist people in creating opportunity in their lives is exciting!  

Stay tuned for more information in another upcoming blog.

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com
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