National Corvette Museum, Bowling Green, KY
My wife and I recently visited the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY. I had Corvettes early in my driving life and have always admired them. Not the most practical car for my family years but I love the look and the speed across the generations of Corvette models.
For the enthusiast, it’s a great museum with a wonderful walk down memory lane. I learned more about the evolution of the car from a simple two speed automatic six cylinder to today’s highly sophisticated V-8 with many multiples more electric shifting than the 1953 original.
On February 12, 2014, a sinkhole opened up beneath the museum and swallowed 8 precious display models. Some belonged to the museum and some were on loan from individual collectors. It was a devastating event with extensive damage to both
cars and the building. As I walked through the exhibit, I reflected on the way they turned a disaster into another informative display. They included geological information about why the rock subsided. They had video of the rescue event as the cars were pulled out from the hole. Fortunately, no one was hurt.
At first, they looked at it as a disaster, but as more and more people stopped by to check it out, the Corvette museum decided to develop it as a permanent part of their exhibit. Here’s a link to their story.
As a business owner, I think this is a stellar example of rising from the ashes, so to speak, and making lemonade out of lemons. How many times have you been faced with a disaster that, upon reflection and a different vision, turns into a positive? Two decades ago I was literally on the verge of selling my company to what appeared to be an attractive buyer. My wife had died suddenly. All my grandchildren were in another state. The proceeds plus an attractive offer to help a friend grow his business seemed like the perfect next chapter. The night before papers were to be signed at a celebration dinner, I inquired more about the buyer’s plans for my clients. What he said scared me. These are folks I had grown up with for decades. The more he shared, the more my stomach churned.
Finally, I stood up, said, “No, thanks,” and walked away. No plans had been prepared in case the deal did not close. Faith stepped in. I reexamined everything. Here I am, twenty years later, blessed with a wonderful, faithful, strong spiritual life partner. Her then teenage son is about to make us grandparents with his own charming wife. My practice has grown. None of the staff with me twenty years ago are still here. They have retired or moved onto other industry opportunities.
Two highly qualified professionals who share the same values as me are building their brand, building off my foundation. Clients will be well cared for. The staff is committed to service, hi-touch in our hi-tech world. So for me, lemons became sweet, fresh lemonade.
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