Spit in One Hand and Wish in the Other

Spit in One Hand and Wish in the Other

The sermon at church last Sunday inspired this post.  During the sermon, the minister quoted an old cliche, which I had never heard before.  "Spit in one hand, wish in the other and see which one has the most in it".  As these words sunk in, I realized this one simple cliche epitomizes an entrepreneur. These words undoubtedly were the basic ideology of our founding fathers as they built our great nation. They did not "wish" to live in a great nation, they created it on bit at a time.  For these pioneers knew "wishing" was wasted energy.  

Everyone wishes to have a better life for themselves, their families and their communities.  The one's who reap the bounties of their aspirations, are those who put their back, minds and efforts into achieving their goal.  

In today's modern world, it seems the media exploits the successful, the wealthy, the famous.  Why?  Audience!  These people have become idolized figureheads for the majority of society.  These people do not attempt to fill their left hand with wishes, they have filled their right hand with accomplishments.  A feat the rest of society only dreams of.  

As one contemplates the condition of our American economy, a look back in history readily reveals hints of our recent "fall from the top".  We used to be a nation of "doers".  Nearly everyone learned the talents necessary to improve their family and community lives. They were not afraid to work hard to "git r dun".  It seems in the past quarter century,  much of the population has become "couch potatoes".  They expect fame and fortune to come to them, just as the media promises.  A large portion of the American population have become dependent on entitlements.  Our nation has become a nation of "left-handers" or "southpaws" as it may be. (Only because I referenced filling the left hand with wishes previously).  

Unfortunately, our government has contributed to our country's economic demise. Instead of enabling the people to be self sufficient, it seems we are constantly told why we can't do things for ourselves.  The people's ability to create, to build and to accomplish are often hampered by over-regulation,  To reverse this trend, we need enabling policy instead of entitlement policy.  In short, we need to put the nation back to work by offering incentives rewarding creativity and hard work.  It is time to create opportunity within our borders by leveraging our expansive assets at home.  We cannot continue to export our precious opportunities when the world has become so flat.  We need to develop and exploit our opportunities at home first.  Then we can export the products and services created at home.

Ahh, but some will say it is too expensive to build products in the United States, other countries can do it cheaper.  Why is that?  It is more expensive because of the massive over-regulation on American businesses.  I refrain from pointing my finger at any one influencing industry, for self-interested industry lobbying efforts have contributed to much of our over-zealous government regulation.

It is time every American citizen realizes that they have a choice.  A choice to improve our nation by pulling themselves up by their bootstraps and contributing.  A choice to put your education to work.  A choice to voice your opinions to the representatives and senators elected to represent you.  A choice to make your dreams come true instead of wishing it true.

I have been blessed working in an industry of hard-working entrepreneurs the last 17 years.  These people believed in working hard to improve their communities, using whatever tools and resources they could find.  Because of their hard work, millions of Americans now enjoy the benefits of broadband.  This is one example of how a program was developed by our government which enabled innovation.  We need more self-enabling programs such as unlicensed and/or affordable spectrum for small businesses.

Spit in your hands, wipe them on your jeans and get to work.  Our nation needs you, each and everyone of you!  Your wishes will only come true, if you work to make them come true.  

Good Bye WISPA, Hello Future

Good Bye WISPA, Hello Future

As 2014 comes to a close, I realize my 11 years of involvement in the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association, also known as WISPA, is rapidly coming to an end.  As I have prepared to move on to new career opportunities the last couple months, I have experienced about every emotional a person can go through.  But at 52 years old, I am prepared to leap into a new world of opportunities. I will not depend on my past accomplishments or reputation. Whatever journey I choose, I will attempt to positively change the environment for those who I join in the journey or with whom my path should cross.  

It has been an extremely busy year and I recently realized I hadn't posted to my blog since my first post in May.  I just took time to read "Goodbye Old Barn". I had no idea I would be saying "Goodbye WISPA" just seven months later.  I challenge my successors to take care of this great organization.  I do not want to witness similar results as I have seen with my previous creations. (refer to Goodbye Old Barn).

My final legacy for WISPA, its members and administrative team has be my diligent push to streamline our administrative database, billing and website tools into one platform.  A platform that will allow member individuals and visitors to more easily manage their WISPA experience.  A platform which will promote the industry and our member businesses with new website functionality and a new look.  A platform which our members and new visitors can register for WISPA conferences, meetings and membership in the same location.  A platform where individuals and companies can manage their demographics, employee records, and registrations with one login.  A platform which combines three previous databases into one, so all membership records are consistent across the board and minimizes administrative functions. Most of all, a platform which will strengthen the WISP industry community.  While I'll be gone before the final product is released, I challenge the team working on it, to pick up the ball where I leave off and finish it well.

It's unbelievable I have met, worked, debated and played with so many great people in the last 11 years.  I am truly a lucky man to have had this experience.  There isn't enough virtual paper to thank everyone who has helped me along this journey. While I have met thousands of visionaries, entrepreneurs and hard-working people, I would be dismiss if I didn't mention a few of my closest friends and those who showed the utmost respect and confidence in my abilities to lead WISPA the past 6 years.  I can only hope the future holds the same opportunities.

Thank you John Scrivner!  John was the strong base WISPA's foundation needed back in 2004.  He was the strong-willed leader with dreams he was determined to carry out.  These dreams were not selfish dreams, but altruistic visions for a united industry. The industry was built by independent thinking entrepreneurs cooperating together building a strong, unified and common-sense voice with the intent of lobbying a corrupt telecommunication industry, the regulators and politicians in Washington DC.  John was the first President of WISPA, a honorable man and a great friend.

Thank you Matt Larsen!  Matt was the rebel, thought provoker and voice which shook the industry and challenged the members to revolt against the status quo in the telecommunication industry.  Matt was a founding member, first Vice-President, second President and was involved at the Board level for at least 9 years.  He earned the title of "Wireless Cowboy" through his talented writing and speaking skills and his enviable ability to challenge the large phone companies.  He is also one of my closest friends and allies during this journey.

Thank you Jack Unger!  The father of the WISP industry.  Jack's knowledge of RF, FCC doctrine, dynamically changing RF/IP technology have been unmatched.  His desire to teach and his writing talents have educated those thirsty to learn how to provide wireless broadband worldwide.  Jack's a past WISPA Board 
secretary, FCC Committee Chairman and currently works passionately writing. editing and polishing WISPA FCC filings.  Jack is the soft spoken, level headed thinker who challenges deep thought on topics which affect the industry. His services have been invaluable and under appreciated.

Thank you Elizabeth Bowles!  The fourth WISPA President, who served 3 terms.  Her confidence in my abilities to take the lead as Executive Director and to act as my sounding board for advise was undeniably valuable.  During her tenure,  we created two annual conferences which continue to grow; we increased membership 3x's; and we raised revenues 6x's.  Elizabeth continues to serve the industry as Legislative Committee Chairperson.  She has testified at Congress with dignity and continues to strengthen WISPA's credibility and impact in Washington DC.

Thank you Mac Dearman, Butch Evans, Steve Coran, Lee Loker, Travis Johnson, Gino Villarini, Charles Wu, Chuck McCown, Jeff Kohler, JC Utter, Jeff Broadwick, Brian Webster, Jim Patient and many others who have been my friends and confidants along the way.  Your efforts to promote and improve the wisp industry have been so important. 

And thank you mostly to the thousands of members for whom I have served, it has been a pleasure.  Your support has been instrumental in WISPA's success.  You the members, own WISPA.  You have respectfully supported our efforts with your hard-earned dollars.  You have developed a knowledge sharing community, which has taken on the challenge of expanding broadband access across all areas of the country.  It is your duty to carry on this legacy and support the current and future Board of Directors.

Mostly, thank you to my very patient and beautiful wife Sandi and my three beautiful daughters who have grown up this last decade.  The sacrifices they made so I might pursue my WISPA mission is appreciated so much.  I love you all.

I hope my next journey enables me to continue to bring future opportunities to this great community. I will never forget this last decade of awesome experiences.  I wish for success for your businesses and lives.  Happy Holidays and have a great year in 2015!

Where there is a WISP, there is a Way!  Carry on.