I have always been a believer that God places people in your path for a reason. The reason for certain people is not always clear, but it is always clear that there is a reason. Several years ago when I was making long-term plans for the growth of Louisville Switching, it became clear that we needed someone of utmost character, determination, and a genuine love for people to fill the position of Sales and Leasing Manager. In an industry full of questionable characters and methods, we wanted someone that would be absolutely above board and honest with the businesses that we work with. After we have been blessed with such wonderful customers, we wanted to do everything possible to insure that we continued to deserve their trust. We are not looking for sales, we are looking for long term relationships. This is not necessarily the norm for our business. Many people that had the qualities that we were looking for in a new manager were already firmly entrenched in positions elsewhere. Where could such a person be found?
Much time was spent thinking about this before I called an old friend of mine who fit this description. This person was Butch Troutt and he was the Vice-President of Distribution and Logistics for The Apparel Group. I invited him to lunch. We discussed the common knowledge that his company would be leaving Louisville and I posed the question about any interest he might have in spending the rest of his working life with Louisville Switching. With little hesitation he told me that he would love to be with Louisville Switching, but he was committed to fulfilling his obligation to his current company. We parted ways after a nice lunch.
That afternoon, Butch called me and told me that his son, Chris, was contemplating a career change and wondered if I would be interested in talking with him. He said that his son fit the description of the person that I was looking for and an interview with Chris was held. Chris was employed in the chemical industry and was pondering a career change for family reasons. I described the open position and he was interested, but this would be a big change for him. It would take a leap of faith for him to venture into a completely different field from his area of expertise. For me to hire someone with absolutely no industry experience would also take a leap of faith on my part. Chris’ genuine character was obvious during our conversation. When the choice is character or experience, I will take character every time. Experience can be gained over several years, while an inner moral compass is determined at an early age due to upbringing in most cases. An offer was extended to Chris and the rest is history.
Looking back at how this came to be is an example of paths crossing in a most unusual way. Chris has been a wonderful addition to our company. He is completely dedicated to the very core principles that we espouse for operating a successful business. He is a God-fearing man of his word. His love for people is apparent in his day-to-day dealings with our customers. I have seen Chris leave the office late on Friday to deliver a part to a customer that is broken down. I have seen him take care of customers on the weekends and holidays. He has a career, not a job. He is doing what he loves to do.
In the years that we have been working together, we have become friends. I have spent a great deal of time with him at the office, traveling around the country to visit with customers and even some international travel. We have also spent time on the golf course. After traveling and playing golf with someone, they will have no secrets. Both of these activities can be trying to the point that no character flaws can be hidden.
Chris is also an avid deer hunter. He hunts with a crossbow and a gun and he tells me that he also hunts deer barehanded. I don’t know if I believe this one. To prove his prowess, he has a mounted deer head in his office. He said this deer was taken with a paddle and a ping pong ball. I guess hunters are just like fishermen when it comes to telling of their adventures.
Other than telling some really big hunting stories, Chris is an absolute joy to be around and I am grateful that our paths have crossed.
