In 1987, I was 30 years old and working for our family business for 8 years. We lost our father Dave unexpectedly at age 53. I remember the tremendous outreach from my fathers friends in Selected . His Selected study group was held 2 weeks after he died and the support and love the  members gave to me and my mother Jill was so loving and gracious.  In the years to come, the members of this group, took me under their wing and supported me on my journey to become an owner. These wonderful friendships formed continued to the next generation and over the years, these members have become like a second family to us.

As the years have gone by, my parents friends at Selected always made sure our family was included at their table, for dinners out etc. They stayed in touch for the many years to come to support us as we transitioned the business to the next generation.

I honestly believe that our family business growth and success is directly related to the relationships that began for me personally back in 1987 as they did for my grandfather and dad before me over the last 75 years of our membership. Today, our Selected  friendships have continued in our family for me and my son John  as a true blessing in our lives for which we will forever be grateful.