A message from Subzero Engineering CEO, Larry Mainers
Business is a lot like sailing; both require people (crew), equipment, a starting point, a destination, and of course, the voyage.
Like business, sailing can be a lot of fun: sun, sea, sails and wind… not too shabby. And just like life, sailing has its good and bad days. On good days the wind is in your favor, on bad days… not so much. Thus, the analogy goes. Based on this, it would seem that our ability to adjust the sails on the contrary days is the difference between success and failure.
Sadly, it’s not always as simple as adjusting the sails. For example, try adjusting your sails in a hurricane.
Positive thinking alone does not equate to success, but it can be a powerful ally. The facts are that many positive, bright, and talented people venture out into the world of business only to be brushed back by the strong winds of adversity. What then defines the companies that consistently prove successful where others have not?
The answer can be found with the captain and crew.
When you align yourself with talented, positive, and bright people the winds of adversity are mitigated. Surrounding yourself with great people creates dynamics that cannot be easily defeated. No wind can change the direction of an army of dedicated people.
Our world has a way of glorifying the individual, but most of the time that individual shines because of the team they have. For instance it’s always the star quarterback that is interviewed after the game. But if you privately ask the quarterback, he will tell you that without the great people surrounding him he could not advance the football even one yard.
I have had the privilege of owning and operating several successful companies. In each case what made the company successful were the people.
I am proud to be at the helm of Subzero Engineering. Our crew is filled with talented, bright, and passionate people who work as a team. Combined, we are a force to be reckoned with. Instead of one person with a vision, we are many with a singular focus.
There is an old proverb that says “And if somebody could overpower one alone, two together could make a stand against him. And a threefold cord cannot quickly be torn in two.” It is essential in sailing to use lines or ropes that use multiple strands, that create incredible strength. A great business joins the talents and drive of many people into one singular goal, one cord. Additionally, great people make the joys and challenges of business a real pleasurable experience. For me – this makes the voyage, not the destination, a far better experience.
My motto is simple; if you surround yourself with great people who share your vision, you will find that when the wind of adversity blows you can hold the course by merely adjusting the sails.