The Importance of Power

This July, we celebrate our Second Annual Most Powerful Men in the Valley! Powerful suggests the capability of exerting great force or overcoming strong resistance. Powerful is also influential, convincing, forcible, cogent and effective. There are so many men in the Valley who make a difference and are powerful. To many, the perception of a powerful man is one of wealth. This perception I see too often: a man who is successful in material things like mega homes, luxury autos, boats, jets, you name it. They can also be some of the unhappiest people. I see it every day. They spent all this time accumulating these material things but forget about the most important thing money cannot buy: family. They seem to miss their children growing up. It should be family over anything, but some lose focus and, when it is too late, they notice it. You cannot go back and change the past.

The most powerful men in the Valley are men who are there for their children and teach respect and love. There are so many great dads in the Valley who do just this. Being there to cheer at baseball games, being at the table for dinner, being ready to help with homework, being there for a long walk.

I have personally chosen to miss out on a lot of social events and new client opportunities over the past 10 years. I do not look back and say, “Wow, I wish I went to that event or met that person.” Instead, today I know I have a very strong relationship with my son, and he comes first in my life. I am starting to see him grow up and want him to give back and respect the world. This is not an easy task nowadays, and the only way a father can be successful at this is teaching and leading by example.

Turn to P. 72 to meet some men who I personally look up to. They have made a difference in their families’ lives and are able to juggle the everyday stress and challenges we all face. Read their stories about how they do it. We really could list thousands of men. We have listed a few more online at AZFoothills.com and would like your feedback. If you have that special man in your family, we want you to comment about him on our Facebook page.

Happy Fourth of July—a great time for family celebrations! If you read this and want to be more powerful, it is easy for anyone to do. Just spend quality time with your family and that is better than any present. I personally make every Friday boys’ breakfast—without my cell phone—and get to know what is going on in my son’s head. It is fun, rewarding and surprising. I love it, and I love you, Spencer.