This is my last Thought for the Week. I don't recall exactly when I started this ritual, but it was probably about 25 years ago. My goal from the beginning was to share some positive insights regarding our company, our amazing people, our clients, our community and our world. It was always my hope that I could inspire you to think about who you are, and where life will take you. There were many themes along the way, service to others, excellence, goal setting, life planning, humility, integrity, faith, lifelong learning, books and family. I hope at least one touched your heart. 

I will miss being a part of the Williams Company. This is a special place. For 33 years, this has been my home. I have given this company my brain, my heart and my soul. I love this place, and looking back, I have no regrets, only positive memories. 

I am retiring now knowing that our company will only get better in the coming years. We have an incredibly talented leadership team and an outstanding group of people, all consummate professionals. We are as strong financially as we have ever been, and our reputation in the community and amongst our clients has never been better. The company will change and evolve, but I believe our core values will keep us strong and resilient. 

As I leave I have a few words of encouragement ... laugh often and deeply, always try and do the right thing, as character matters, tell your family and your friends you love them often (and mean it), plan and organize your future because your best days are ahead of you, cultivate your relationships as if they are your most valuable asset, immerse yourself in good books, take a nap when you can, pray. 

My cup runneth over! Farewell! 

My wife Chris has often said that the most important decision of your life is the person you marry. I whole heartily agree! For the past 35 years Chris has been my rock. For all the ups and downs life brings, Chris has always stood by my side, always encouraging me, always offering a different perspective, always listening with a keen ear, and always my biggest fan. 

The main reason I have been able to grow and succeed, both personally and professionally is due to Chris being in my life. She is the one who has handled all the details of our marriage. She pays the bills, she handles the health insurance claims, she's made our housing decisions, she taught our two daughters how to have fun, she plans our vacations. Chris is a fantastic mother, caring community volunteer, matriarch of the Fowler family, fierce competitor on the pickle ball court, and most importantly my best friend! She is the glue that holds our family together! 

As Chris and I enter the next phase of our life I am excited to be able to spend more time with her (Chris is a little nervous about the transition). Each day forward her bright smile, joyous heart, fun loving attitude and zest for life will continue to be a blessing in my life! 

And even though she will no longer be the First Lady of the Williams Company, she will forever be my Queen! I love you! 

 My wife Chris and I attended our Habitat for Humanity kick off early this morning under a brilliant orange sky and beautiful rainbow! In a year that has been anything but normal, I thought it was fitting that we are ending the year on such a high note! 

"This house we are building is just people helping other people, because I believe most people are inherently good and just want to help others." These were the words from our Matt Olberding as he spoke to the people who had gathered for the kick-off celebration. In a world that is currently so polarized and divided, isn't this what life is all about ... just people helping other people? 

As I was speaking with Catherine, the CEO of the local Habitat chapter, she was telling me about the family of 5 that will be receiving their new home two weeks from now. She said that the mother and father and 3 young children were living in a one-bedroom apartment that was just atrocious. She said they were paying 

$1,100 a month for this awful place. She also told me their new mortgage payment for the house we are building will only be $600 a month. What a blessing! 

I can't imagine the emotions of the family as they will enter their new home just before Christmas. I'm emotional just thinking about it. What an incredible gift all of you are providing for this family! 

As I drove away it was very humbling to see 30 or more Williams Company employee owners framing this new house. Everyone was in such good spirits, and all happy to be helping on this wonderful gift. 

Our company has a giant heart, and our community is a better place for it, because of you! 

 Things I am thankful for in no particular order:

• Freedom

• My Health

• My Friends

• Being an Employee Owner

• Potato Chips

• Being a Florida Gator

• My Faith

• Free Speech

• Healthcare Workers

• Cops and Firefighters

• Good Books

• My Peer Group

• Air Conditioning

• Whoever invented Red Wine

• My wife's sense of humor

• The soldiers in the US Military

• All the incredible people at the Williams Company!

I have a lot to be thankful for I Happy Thanksgiving!

 "We the People" 

These are the first 3 words of our country's most precious document, the United States Constitution. Why did the founders of our country start with these 3 words? I believe our founders knew that any great nation needed to be governed by folks representing all of us. It is certainly true that in the early years of our nation this was not the case. Over time, our country has healed many of those wounds and learned that "We" means everyone. Men, women, black, white, Asian, Hispanic, Italian, Irish, Muslim, Christian, Jewish ... are all part of our governing bodies. The system is not perfect, but it is better than any other country in the world. 

So, what does "We the People" have to do with our company? I believe it has to do with one of our core values, "We not I." None of us can make our company successful by themselves. We all bring different talents and passions to what we do. Together though, as a team, we can accomplish anything we set our hearts and souls too! 

Alan Williams had this quote on his desk for as long as I can remember. The quote is from Thomas J Watson, the CEO of IBM from 1914 to 1956. The quote was later trademarked by IBM. The quote is very profound and should be used every day of our lives.

The quote is:

THINK