Begin with the end in mind...
This is phrase I attribute to Steven Covey. In his 7 Habits series he advocates writing what others would say about you at your funeral. Its a very interesting way to look at yourself thru the eyes of others.
Emails, notes, and cards are still pouring in from people who just found out about Wayne's Passing.
It is filled with Cargill jargon, but it is a full testement to leadership and building people up.
======= From John Hasenpflug ======================================
Cynthia,
You may not remember me, I am John Hasenpflug, I worked with Wayne as a Territory manager from 1987 to 2001 with lots of assignments as TM in Texas and Branch Manager in LA after Ray moved to MSP, then back to TX as a TM with ACCO until 2001. I left Cargill in 2001, but still kept in touch with Wayne through the years – I have always wanted to go back to Cargill – if something opens up back here in Texas but who knows, I am thinking a lot about what is important and what really matters in the past few days.
You may not remember me, I am John Hasenpflug, I worked with Wayne as a Territory manager from 1987 to 2001 with lots of assignments as TM in Texas and Branch Manager in LA after Ray moved to MSP, then back to TX as a TM with ACCO until 2001. I left Cargill in 2001, but still kept in touch with Wayne through the years – I have always wanted to go back to Cargill – if something opens up back here in Texas but who knows, I am thinking a lot about what is important and what really matters in the past few days.
Cindy, I met you a couple of times at the old office center, when I was at GO for training or some other function I got involved in. I was one of Wayne’s farmstore’ite and show feed people with both Nutrena and ACCO – Wayne always managed to take time to have lunch, occasionally dinner and sometimes a drink with me when I was in MSP – and we were constantly on the phone through the years. I now work for a company based in WI but I get to live near home in Wharton, TX and travel the country calling on major accounts. My wife Debra and I have 3 boys, 7,5&4. I usually kept up to date with Wayne a couple of times a year, however I had not talked to Wayne since last spring and did not learn of his difficult journey to a better life until last Friday.
This morning I spent 2 hours reading your entire journal and trying to come close to imagining how you managed. In truth, I cannot Imagine how… but I know God finds a way. In testament to Wayne, to try to say goodbye to Wayne and let you know what he meant to my personal growth through those years, I wrote the following.
===========================================================================================
“What finer tribute to a man, that could be said so well
Than the thoughts, prayers, remembrances spoken and written so fondly
Always with a bright smile, a twinkle in his eyes, a slap on the back and a big hello
Of not just the name -
but the man loved by all and so giving to others in return...
Wayne”.
==================================================================The spoken name 'Wayne' immediately brings to mind only one person, Wayne Hoelscher himself. Sometimes larger than life, an enigma of sorts, seemingly destined to live and do what he loved forever, Constantly pitching ideas, optimism, support, reassurance. Confidence, talking football and golf. Getting knocked down and bouncing right back up again with another idea or spin. “Making It Happen”.
Tom Fritz always told me, “John - Only 3 things matter – Keep them in order and you won’t have any problems…God, Family, Company”… I believe Wayne lived that life.
He always managed to bring up his family in discussions. He lived a moral life filled with action and recreation. He worked hard - and he “made things happen”.
'Make It Happen' was the first Cargill Acronym I learned when I joined Cargill in August 1987, working in Texas with John Windwehen. That same month I attended my first Nutrena National Sales Meeting - and enjoyed one of Wayne's favorite spectacle's the event of the year! National Sales Meeting and Presidents Club. With fanfare, camaraderie, Skits, Speakers, awards and more awards. The first time, I reveled at those that earned the acclaimed Cargill Presidents Club, and I know Wayne was an integral part of “Making That Happen”. I too wanted to “Make Things Happen”, and Wayne showed me the way.
I was one of Wayne's original Farmstore People - having a territory in the highly populated Houston area, Farmstore was my mainstay. Wayne and I had many conversations about packaging, customer expectations, and the marketing we needed to be #1. I quickly became a champion of Wayne's efforts and ideas to move Nutrena to become the leader in the market. In return, Wayne was my mentor, and my friend. He helped me grow and understand how to “Make It Happen”, Never quit, fight the good battle, from your journal I can see he did that in death as well, with dignity, his own way, not concerned about the details.
Through the Nutrena World of the first zipper re-closable premium pet food, to the stripped pink Milk Plus bag, new Vitality and Triumph bags, Dealer Merchandising Training Videos, private label national accounts and on to ACCO and Showmaster. I still believe that Wayne was at least a part of the "Call Me I'm Dave Larson" campaign centered around our Decentralized Management theme in the late 80’s and early 90’s that led to Nutrena's success against the checkerboard square.
His leadership in "New Distribution" rewarded territory managers in the field with what we wanted most - recognition and money. Trips, trucks, cars, VW Bugs, Harley’s, TV's and cash awards, Wayne had the pulse of the salespeople in the field - and gave us what we needed to “Make It Happen”.
My last work directly with Wayne was working to Revamp the ACCO Showmaster program. We developed a website, coined the phrase “ask Dr. Huck” and put real winners on our bags and showed off those winners on our website. Wayne once again led the charge and ACCO, Sportsman's Choice and Showmaster reign nationwide as leaders in the industry – Once again Wayne “Made It Happen”.
I remember being nominated for Presidents Club several times, and not making it… Wayne was always there with “Make it Happen” next year. I finally reached Presidents Club - twice – and Wayne was there both times with heartfelt smile, tears and congratulations. I could not have earned this award if it had not been for Wayne “Making Things Happen”, lending his ear, advice and support. Something I am still just as proud of today, when I don’t even work for Cargill anymore.
With a swelling of pride in my eyes I read how Cargill honored Wayne with the Presidents Award, and I know just how deserving he was of this recognition. It was an acknowledgement that Wayne could “Make it Happen” and he did it for all of us. I know how Wayne felt that day – to be honored among his peers, to be recognized for years of work. For “Making It Happen” for all of us. It’s a feeling that chokes you up, swells you with pride and makes you humble at the same time.
I only learned of Wayne's sickness and journey to a better place this past week. Still I am in shock. It always seemed that Wayne would never quit - or retire, and with his passing, he showed us once again what is important in life… God, Family, Work….that we need take time, to look at the mountains, to play golf, to spend time with family, to do a good job.
To Make Things Happen…
I will miss you Wayne…. Keep an eye on all of us down here that are still trying to “Make It Happen”
To you Cynthia, my deepest sympathies to you, the, kids & grandkids. Enjoy the house that Wayne built and know he and God are always there with you.
John Hasenpflug
Wharton Texas
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