My longtime friend John, and his dear wife Michele, moved north to Morro Bay about ten years ago to enjoy a slower pace of daily life. John being a top-notch surfer might have had something to do with it too. At the time, he said that he loved the ocean and getting away from the crowds. John told me, "I've spent my whole life hugging the coast, and the coast has hugged me back."

 

We met by chance long ago in the insurance business, became friends and worked some cases together. But what we are doing now is much bigger than anything we have done before.

 

John has dreams of where he is going in life, and I'm sure he's going to get there. Resilient in the face of setbacks, John moves in the direction of his dreams everyday. He's positive and upbeat and enthusiastic. He thinks big. But the characteristics that most define John as a winner is that he has courage and persistency and vision.

 

He told me this story years ago.

 

John knew another agent who tried unsuccessfully to sell long-term care insurance to a wealthy prospect. John had heard of the man but hadn't met him. He didn't have his phone number but had an idea that he was sure Mr. Wisk would like, if he could get in front of him.

 

So, John drove to his address and pulled in the driveway, but there was no house in sight. The driveway stretched out before him, and he followed it, for over a mile.

 

When John at last pulled up to a large house, his heart was pounding. He knocked on the front door and, after what seemed like an eternity, Mr. Wisk opened it.

 

John introduced himself and told him why he was there and was invited inside.

 

Mr. Wisk didn't end up buying what John was selling that day, but John had the courage to drive up that long and winding road, to ask. He sold himself on the belief that if he kept asking someone would eventually say yes. And they have, over and over again.