As summer leads into fall, reports from our members have been universally positive. Although many report labor shortages, most are navigating the positive business climate with optimism.
I love fall. In northern Wisconsin where I spent most of my life, the season brings beautiful changes in color and temperature. Kids go back to school; the NFL football season begins; and the hope of another Green Bay Packers Super Bowl prevails. Like any season, fall brings opportunities to our businesses and families.
One opportunity I hope we all consider is taking charge of our personal time. As I have traveled the world this year talking to roofing contractors and others in this great industry, I couldn't help but notice how attached we have become to our cell phones and tablets. We are immediately accessible to almost anyone at almost any time.
Recently, I was in southern Georgia and watched a young couple on vacation with their two children having lunch at a roadside BBQ. Each of the four had their faces glued to their own electronic gizmos. Not one of the four were even speaking to each other.
This same scene is repeated all over the world. Maybe this is just the way it is and what our future will be, but I hope not.
There is so much life has to offer. But nothing is more important than the human connections that come from being with one another. But are we really with each other when our attention and focus are elsewhere? What do we miss when we are so attached to our electronic devices? Is the person on the other end of that text, call or email really more important than the person right in front of you? All these questions deserve a thoughtful answer.
I know one thing for certain: During my conversations with roofing contractors and others, I have greatly benefited from looking them in the eye and giving them my undivided attention. I have learned much these past seven months, and most of what I learned has come from face-to-face meetings. Roofing professionals are an impressive group of businesspeople, and looking them in the eye and listening to their ideas matter.
This also is true for the times I have spent with my wife, children and grandchildren. There is no electronic distraction worth more than them and no intrusion more important. This fall, take a moment to slow down. Reconnect with people rather than your computer or cell phone. Look at the colors. You may just see life a bit differently.
Stay tuned.
Reid Ribble is NRCA's CEO.
@NRCA_CEO
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