In review

Posted by David Clynes on Aug 25, 2016
 
Meeting reflections:
 
Another amazing meeting—a full parking lot, nine guests, two visiting Rotarians, social time to catch up with friends and make new ones, a nice meal and a quality program. Our fearless leader Ann Platt is doing a grand job keeping our train on the tracks. I think I’ll come back next week and maybe bring a friend.
We were greeted by Peter Hoffman and Deirdre Kvale. Mike Opitz helped out at the front desk. The Rev. Tom Cook gave the invocation.
 
Dale Walker introduced the following guests at the meeting:     
  • Kevin Bergman and John Morrissey, guests of the speaker and Jon Barnett
  • Don Anderson, guest of Jon Barnett
  • Loreli Steuer,  wife and guest of Axel Steuer
  • Bill Neuendorf, guest of Scott Neal
  • Annie Meehan, guest of Ann Platt
  • Kim Stoner, guest of Jody Kern
  • Max Rymer, guest of David Clynes
  • Judy Jandro, guest of Scott MacDonald
  • Mayor Jim Hovland, Visiting Rotarian from Edina Morningside Rotary Club
  • Lenny Newman, Visiting Rotarian from Minnetonka Rotary Club
 
Each week I am reminded and guided by the gift we receive in the wonderful stories of our presenters. Stories that encourage and help us with perspective and gratitude—they help to make our lives rich. This experience I receive each week is a big reason I frequently try to bring a guest. I gain a lot from my weekly Rotary experience and I want to share this opportunity with others. 
 
We are very fortunate to have Dr. Hannelore Brucker in our community. Wow, what a life story, and what incredible work she has been doing throughout her career treating allergies and helping the afflicted understand their condition. Retired from her practice at Southdale Allergy and Asthma Clinic in October of last year, the loving connection she had with her patients and her pride in their successes overcoming their conditions is easy to see. Hearing her classification talk, I get the sense that although retired, Hannelore has a deep desire of service to others and that she is one very active lady. And now—in addition to our Norwegian master of illusion and presentation, Korean improvisational sax man and our world famous, soon to be back from tour, base guitarist—we now have a harmonica and accordion virtuoso in our midst.
 
We were fortunate to have Dick Schulze present to our meeting as our main speaker. Thanks, Jon Barnett, for setting this up—your thorough introduction rivaled the eloquence and harmonic prose of our dear departed club fixture and Edina institution from years past, John Diracles.
Mr. Schulze very honestly illustrated some of the significant events and lessons learned in his 50 years in consumer electronics retail. Starting with Sound of Music in 1966 to the Best Buy corporation of today, it is easy to see how his infectious enthusiasm rallied the troops to grow a world-class company.
He shared some management styles that he’s found really matter. Reading these now they seem almost obvious, but we all know they are often overlooked.
  • Empower employees. Employees appreciate the opportunity to make a contribution. Be certain they know their input is valued.
  • Be willing to try new things. Failure is ok—learn from mistakes.
  • Recognize and reward extraordinary contribution.
  • Go to where the customer is and, in the store or on the website, it is all about improving the customer experience.
  • Be a leader, not just a fast follower.
Mike Sitek thanked Mr. Schulze for the presentation. 
 
I had the opportunity to speak briefly with Mr. Shulze after the meeting. Turns out I tutored his oldest grandchildren in math and science several years back. His face lighting up and the detailed stories of their current accomplishments showed me a gentleman that although a very successful entrepreneur, he has what is most important and very high on his list.
 
I looking forward to next week’s meeting, how about you?