On the afternoon of March 31, 2023, I sat at my desk while sirens blared a warning that a tornado had been spotted. For their safety, my employees were sent to the first floor to hunker down in the center hall. Watching out my second-story window, I scouted for possible approaching tornadoes.
I’m a big proponent of change and believe that if your business or personal life are not evolving, then you are being left behind. But change can be difficult, emotional, and controversial. And so goes the changing of a long-standing state or country flag.
Why, why, why, after six years and over 300 interviews, do I continue to mess with Up in Your Business? Every time I think, “okay, it may be time for me to stop interviewing successful people” I have another interesting guest and learn something new.
Salespeople are a lot of help. I know they are often stereotyped as a nuisance, as robocalls are (which aren’t real people), but a good salesperson is more like a secretary to their client. And, over the next ten years, both salespersons and secretaries alike could become an endangered species as they are replaced by chat bots, electronic calendars, and online tutorials.
Have you been wondering what ever happened to the restauranteur Rodney Ely, founder of Satellite Coffee and Rodney’s Chicago Dogs that used to be in Little Rock, Arkansas?
Well, I found him in Ft Lauderdale, FL. And, as per usual, he’s serving up the best quality, delicious food and creating inviting dining environments.
What does an entrepreneur, her daughter, and a long-time friend of the family do when they get together in Miami? Put on funny socks and take pictures of their feet.
Last Independence Day happened to fall on Sunday, a day of worship for many Americans and, as usual, I was at ushering at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral that morning. Because of our country’s deep tension between worship and patriotism, I felt sorry for our dean who, in her sermon that day, had to find the balance between celebrating the gospel and nationalism. She found the common ground in the word “Freedom.”
A month ago, while flying home from Miami and landing in Atlanta, I felt a terrible pressure in my ear that had me close to screaming out loud. The pain was excruciating and left the right side of my face sore and achy for a few days.
Kids complain about school and grown-ups complain about work. But, when gone from your life, you realize how much you miss the socialization and the opportunities that working and learning afford you.


