An accountant, a lawyer and a banker walk into a room.

No, this isn’t the start of a bad joke. Instead, it describes what I saw more than two decades ago when my former boss and ongoing mentor, Gary Gerlach, introduced me to three important people in my business career. It was one of many life lessons from Gary, who, at the time, was working to position me for success as I moved forward in setting up Big Green Umbrella Media.

“You are going to need these people, and they are quite good,” Gary told me.

I sat down with Ron Hintz, Quent Boyken and Bob Gagne. I had worked with each of these gentlemen briefly when I managed companies for Gary and Michael Gartner in prior years, but, as Gary pointed out, the relationships are even more important as an owner.

“You will need tax advice. You will need legal advice. And you will need money,” Gary said. He was right. Many of you who operate businesses know how important these relationships are. I received great advice from each of them, and I usually implemented it, even when it involved words I sometimes didn’t want to hear. It was all part of a maturing process for me. It still is.

“In time, you may find other people to work with, but I want to get you connected with people I know and trust,” Gary said. In time, I did choose others to work with, especially as these folks retired. But, looking back, I truly value those connections.

I shared this story last week at our CITYVIEW Best of Des Moines event, as I pointed out the important and longstanding relationships I now have with the many folks I have worked with on our company events. They, too, have been wonderful partners.

Gary’s message was about more than business relationships, though. Even as individuals, we need a good accountant, a good lawyer and a good banker — as well as a good mechanic, a good Realtor, a good automotive salesperson, a good electrician and a good plumber. The list goes on, or at least it should.

We all know someone who tried to run a business without advice from an accountant, a lawyer and a banker. Most of them are no longer in business. Thanks to these folks, and others, our business is stronger than ever.

Thank you, Gary, and thank you Ron, Quent and Bob.

Have a magnificent Monday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.thedailyumbrella.com

See more of Shane Goodman's columns here.

JOE'S NEIGHBORHOOD
A Saint Valentine story

By Joe Weeg

“You know what’s going to happen if you do that?”

I say this in my sternest grandfather voice with a glower of hard eyes, a very pursed mouth, and a disapproving shake of my head. Trust me, I am the scary thing under a small child’s bed. Don’t tread on me.

A special bond
Local grandparents share why living close to their grandkids is so important to them.

By Rachel Harrington

These days, kids often grow up, move away and start family and careers far from where they grew up. Siblings are often scattered across the country and even the globe. Dinners with the extended family is now regulated to the holidays, when those who are able make the trip “back home.” But there is something about grandkids that brings about another family shift. Many young families decide their kids would benefit from having family close by, and many grandparents find retirement is the perfect time for making a move closer to family. Some of those grandparents who live close to their grandkids share what it means to them to form the special bonds that come from time spent together.

A bonus to living in Winterset
Eric and Monica Pugh have called Winterset “home” since 1991. Now, 34 years later, they are still proud to call it home. And there is a bonus: Not only do they have all their children still in town as adults, but they live close to all their grandchildren, too.

Happy Birthday Zack Thompson!

These celebrities were born on this date: Emma Roberts, Chloë Grace Moretz, Jack Austin, Vic Fuentes, Stephanie Beatriz, Yara Shahidi, Elizabeth Banks, Don Omar, Barry Sloane, Laura Dern, Robert Wagner

SUBMIT: Send your birthday greetings and congratulatory notes to: tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

The answer to the last riddle:  What do you call a psychic gnome who escaped from prison? A SMALL MEDIUM AT LARGE! - Gail Tomlinson, Rex Post, and close guess, Deb Taylor. Or, A lepre"con" (convict)! - Carolyn Rogers.

Today's riddle: What is the difference between a thief and a church bell?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

To advertise in the Daily Umbrella or the Winterset Living magazines, contact:

Kristine McDonald
Account Executive
Office: 515-953-4822 ext. 321
Mobile: C: 515-975-3543
kristine@iowalivingmagazines.com
Winterset

Add webmaster@dmcityview.com to your address book to ensure delivery. 

Did someone forward you this newsletter? Click here to get it delivered to your inbox for FREE!