There is a lot more to Torklift than acres of diamond plate aluminum and steel.
This was never more apparent to me than at our recent annual meeting. We were treated to our assembly this year in what was once held in a small break room to now filling a grand events center ballroom. The amazing growth in the company this year included an over 30% growth in the workforce.
Our department heads shared their pearls of wisdom and stories from their own inspirations, mentors, and passed on successes based on hard work and dedication.
One inspiring story we were reminded of was one we all know. It is heard on the Earl Nightingale leadership training series in which every new Torklift employees participates.
This true story is based on an African farmer who is enticed by riches and lured away from his own land in search of the diamonds that were being found all across the continent. He was so excited and distracted by what was out there that he sold his farm and searched endlessly for the riches he never found. Meanwhile, the new owner of the farm picked up an unusual looking large rock from the land and placed it on his mantle as a curiosity. A visitor to the man’s home later saw the rock and was absolutely amazed. It was one of the biggest diamonds ever found and the farmer replied, “ Heck, the whole farm is covered with them.”
Opportunity does not just come along, it is there all the time- we just need to see it, develop, and believe in it.
With that message taken to heart, current events were also woven into messages about how we play the game here and, of course, included references to our own Seattle Seahawks. Jazzed by the upcoming Superbowl XLVIII prospects and our simultaneous tremendous year, we were inspired to dream beyond where any single one of us came from and work as a team to boost each other up to see over challenges and achieve the victories we can celebrate for our families, our community and our company.
Looking at this upcoming year, we are focused on solution based goals and will continue to strive for excellence in serving our customers and building the best products in the industry one inspired piece at a time.
Yes, our acres are full of diamond plate and steel, but the precious resources are the people of Torklift.