Thanksgiving 2019: Time of Reflection

I've been in the business world a long time. A really long time - more than 30 years. From the early days, we were taught certain concepts and buzz words. The bosses were always talking about  "mission statement", "gross profit", "continuous improvement", "annual growth", and "customer satisfaction". I don't remember being invited to be thoughtful about our business, our business environment, or about the way we conducted ourselves as corporate citizens. In fact, back when I was climbing the corporate ladder, we regularly re-allocated profits before submitting month-end numbers to our HQ back east. It seemed at the time to be the most logical series of actions: ones that might shield us in the future. I know now that we were simply cooking the books.

That was long ago and far away. I've come full circle in so many ways: back to the Bay Area. Back to the horses. I'm now in my 50's, and I must admit: I have a love affair with middle age. Buzz words don't mean much to me anymore. I am thrilled with substance, health and honesty. I'm dazzled by nature, nurture, and a fuzzy muzzle. I'll take a wagging tail over a certificate of achievement any time. Now that I'm running my own business, I set my own standards of ethical behavior, and if you know me, you know I set them high. It's a bar I love to jump - again and again.

Our team of remarkable horsewomen don’t expect something so simple as customer satisfaction...we're not satisfied ourselves until you are delighted. We're not interested so much in creating sales as we are in preventing harm. We measure ourselves in terms of the horses we help. Even in the privacy of our offices you won't hear us say, "We sold Jane a saddle", but instead, "Jane just called to say we can’t have the saddle back, because Whimsy stopped spooking!" We're clear about why we are here and who we serve.

As I pause today in gratitude, I reflect on the very best part: coming to work with like-minded people, whether they are my friends, mentors, customers, co-workers or colleagues. In fact, most of them blur these lines and distinctions. All are innovative thinkers, passionate believers in the welfare of horses. Each of us touch each other in profound ways, and I am profoundly thankful for my worldwide equine community.

With wishes for the best of the season to all,

Carmi