Recently, it came to my attention that a friend left a very important task unfinished which directly affected their future goals. I will not say that I was disappointed in them, but my heart ached because I knew the direct effect this would have on what they wanted to accomplish in the future. It was not a difficult task; I …
WF Pride: Integrity
In December of 2001, George O’Leary became the new head football coach at Notre Dame. Five days later coach O’Leary resigned after admitting to falsifying parts of his academic and athletic background on his resume. It was a great embarrassment to one of the most prestigious universities in the world. We live in a society where people will do anything …
WF Pride: Recognition and Respect of Others
Spring is a beautiful time of the year. Birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, grass is growing and trees are budding. It’s also planting time for farmers. I’d like to take a moment to recognize farmers everywhere and give them the respect they deserve. Every source of food we consume comes from a farmer’s sweat, toil and hard work. Whether …
WF Pride: Positive Attitude and Passion for Life and Work
I’ve had the fortunate opportunity to visit a number of 3rd world countries in the last ten years via mission trips, vacations and work. What I’ve seen and experienced in each country is a genuine happiness and contentment. The people I’ve spoken with and interacted with have nothing materially, but are always smiling, friendly and passionate about life. The days …
WF Pride: Focus on Unity and Humility
Michael Jordan: “talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.” Over the years, many leaders will affirm what Michael Jordan had to say about the effectiveness of teamwork, on the court, field, or in the corporate or operation settings. “Teamwork” has been defined before as the combined action of a group of people, especially when effective and efficient. But …
WF Pride: Willingness and Desire to Sacrifice and Serve
Physical pain is something we all go through in some form or another in our lifetime. From burning our hand on the stove as a little kid, spraining our ankle or knee playing sports, or breaking a bone, it all hurts to varying degrees. Here recently my wife endured excruciating back pain. When she described it to me as worse …
WF Pride: Excel in Communication
When my kids were little, I used to sneak outside early Easter morning to hide the Easter Eggs and candy all around the house and yard while Kristen prepared breakfast. Early April weather in Michigan always seems to be cold and dewy. I think the neighbors thought I was crazy – running around the yard in my robe and boots …
Core Value Spotlight: Sacrifice and Serve
Rob Ketola exemplifies the Walther Farm’s Value “Sacrifice and Serve” to the letter. Rob works for the Upper Peninsula of Michigan’s Seed Farm; the life blood of our Farms. His loyalty and dedication is apparent by the long hours he puts in as Field Manager. His attention to detail during the hot summers while irrigating and chemigating is a big …
WF Pride: Discipline and Accountability
Let’s be honest here, we all know we should eat healthier foods, eat smaller portions, drink more water, eliminate sugary drinks, exercise regularly and get the right amount of sleep. Then why don’t we do it? If we know what the better choice is, why do we choose the donut over the apple? Why the Coke over the bottled water? …
Wf Pride: Integrity
Our home has a place for nearly everything, and I like it that way. Maybe I’m a little anal, or maybe my wife just trained me well. Whatever it is, I enjoy the organization of it. And as I get older, it helps me remember where stuff is. I like that the shoes go in front of the closet, and …