My Thoughts

“It’s all gravy”

This blog begins with a simple phone call that changed my life.  It was on that call, speaking to a man I had never met, where I heard the words, “It’s all gravy.”

Frank Maguire was a former VP of FedEx Worldwide, a former VP of KFC, a former head of programming for ABC radio networks, and a former communications consultant for the Kennedy and Johnson Administrations.  He was undoubtedly humble. He referred to his own long list of life achievements, executive positions, and enviable relationships as just “great opportunities.”

He told endearing stories of personal conversations he’d shared with people like Colonel Sanders—scolding new investors and screaming, “Don’t mess with the gravy.” He’d talk about the time JFK offered to have a Coke with him in the White House when everyone had taken the holiday off. He also told stories about the day he hired Ted Kopel at ABC. And, he concluded each story by mentioning how blessed he was to meet such phenomenal personalities.

“The equity I have gained in relationship value is priceless,” said Maguire.“I’m talking about the opportunity to witness men and women who understood their purpose. Great people aren’t great because of who they are—they’re great because of what they do. They understand their purpose, and they act on it.”

Frank Maguire knew the game-changers in this world. He talked frequently to great leaders, visionaries, motivators, and influencers. And, although he would deny it then, he was a game-changer as well. He influenced business leaders all over the globe.

As the years passed, our relationship grew. One phone call turned into several. A brief conversation turned into an hour. Soon, we were calling each other just to swap ideas.

Of course, I knew the knowledge I could glean from Frank. But, the question was: why was he talking to me?

“Frank, you know some of the biggest players in the world. Why are you so helping me?”

“I’m not doing anything for you,” he responded. “Todd, it took me a long time to realize some very significant points about life. And, I had some of the best teachers a person could ask for. Still, there comes a point where every person needs to dig deep to uncover their own truth—to find their own purpose. I see you as a person haunted by persistence—I bet you don’t sleep much because you’re trying to conquer the entire world at once.”

“I don’t sleep much, but that’s how a person succeeds, right?”

He paused. “Do you ever think about purpose? Do you ever wonder what it is you’ll do in this world that will make you truly relevant? I’m not talking about success as defined by society—I’m talking about that day, far into the future, when you’re reflecting on your life as you pass from this earth. I’m talking about that day you realize that we’re all human and all have been given the same tools to create the life we want to create. Do you ever think about that day, and wonder what that one thing you achieved in this world will be where you can raise your chest with pride for the last time and say, ‘I served my purpose.’ Todd, what’s your purpose and how are you going to connect with it. When are you going to stop running yourself in circles trying to dig up success and meaning? There will come a day, when your purpose reveals itself, and from there, everything else is gravy.”

I was blessed to know you Frank Maguire.

My wife and 8-year-old daughter like to get pedicures together.  My 5-year-old daughter has always refused.  So, the other day we were shocked when she said she wanted to join the Nordstrom women on a trip to the nail salon.

I, of course, stayed home with my 3-year-old son…trying to pretend I was handy…and attempting to fix a few things around the house.An hour went by.  I didn’t think I could pretend much longer.  

Then another 15 minutes passed.  At this point I was trying to look busy.  And, then, another 30 minutes passed.  By now I had started folding laundry.  You know…manly work.

That’s when my wife walked through the door—with a grin I rarely see.

“The girls went to the back of the salon,” she said attempting to withhold giggles.  ”I told the ladies at the front desk to just paint their toes.”

“And?” I asked.

“Put it this way,” she said, busting into laughter. “Her bill was $120 bucks.”

This is where my wife busted into uncontrollable hysterics—laughter that I’m saturated the entire neighborhood.

My girls walked through the door behind her.  My 5-year-old had a smirk on her face as well—poised with a posture that showed a sense of pride.

She lifted her hands.  She pointed at her toes. Every finger and toe on her body was sparkling blue.  And, every finger and toe had a tiny flower painted on it.

My wife at this point can hardly stand because she is laughing so hard.  Tears were forming in her eyes, and became difficult to understand anything she was saying.  ”It seems there was a commuication gap,” she roared.  ”Tell Daddy why you have flowers on ALL YOUR NAILS!”

“I couldn’t understand their spanish,” my daughter replied.  ”So I just nodded my head.”

Here’s rub.  All the ladies at the nail salon are Vietnamese.

What’s the point of this story?

Hey, so often in life—even as adults—we don’t fully understand what we’re getting ourselves into.  But, instead of going for “the works” we’ll often shy away from an experience.  Instead of nodding “yes,” we’ll shake our heads with “no.”

Go for “the works” next time.  In this case, the fancy nail polish and flowers only lasted a day.  But, I promise I’ll be telling this story for the 40 years.

Now, I just need to figure out how to make $120 bucks.