America and Other Stories Worth Telling
July 6, 2012
Mike Clough 1949-2012
Did you enjoy your 4th of July Holiday? While I usually enjoy this Holiday, my mood this year was more somber than celebratory. For those who did not know, Mike Clough lost his long battle with cancer on April 6, 2012. Adding to my inclination towards reflection is the relentless bombardment by the media with stories hyping the disastrous state of our current economic, social and political woes. One can only hope that the awful sound of doomsday predictions being launched like rockets between political opponents didn’t detract from the fireworks. Its enough to make one wonder if the great social and political experiment called America is failing and our story is nearing its end.
Still, I refuse to give up hope for the fulfillment of the grand vision outlined by our forefathers. Sure there are discrepancies between what the founders intended and the reality of America’s story. But, this is a story worth telling.
The bones of all stories include the beginning, middle and end. Of these three, what we remember best is the end. The stories most worth telling contain fundamental truths about the human struggle to survive and triumph over seemingly insurmountable odds. Truly great stories have the ability to catapult us beyond our current level of understanding and alter what we believe about ourselves and the world.
America’s story was and still is about freedom. However, the free society described in the Bill of Rights requires that its members bear a heavy burden of duties and responsibilities. This is as it should be. The longer I live, the more I realize that anything worth having carries a steep price. But, while everyone wants life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, not everyone is willing to pay the price.
Today, as I reflect on America’s story, I am reminded of other stories worth telling – like the life of Earl Michael Clough.
Earl Michael Clough, or Mike as he preferred to be called, was the son of a Seventh Day Adventist preacher. Much to his father’s chagrin, Mike rebelled and did not follow in his father’s footsteps with regard to the practice of religion. However, he did win his father’s respect as a salesman. Ironically, my own father used to say that the best preachers were just great salesmen.
When Mike was just a boy, his father would drive him to nearby towns and sit in the car grading papers while he walked door-to-door selling pencils. On the application for the job of selling pencils, Mike wrote “under 65” in the blank where it asked for the applicant’s age. Of course, this happened so many years ago that it wasn’t illegal for an employer to ask that question.
Before long, Mike was out earning his father, which wasn’t too difficult since preachers and teachers are typically not paid very well, unless you consider the fact that Mike was only 12. He ended up being the top performing sales representative in the country.
As Mike matured, success did not come nearly as easily. In retrospect, he realized that as a youngster, he had an unfair competitive advantage over the competition that he referred to as the “cuteness” factor. When his prospects would see this adorable young man dressed up in a suit and carrying a briefcase, they reacted immediately with positive emotions. Mike represented all that we hold dear and revere in our capitalist culture; an insatiable drive to succeed.
Hidden costs of the American dream
Perhaps Mike’s early business success left such an indelible impression on his psyche that it defined him. Like many entrepreneurs, Mike had a fierce drive to succeed which led him to start several companies, some more lucrative than others.
A key component of Mike’s success was an intense thirst for practical knowledge and an even greater appetite to see it implemented. Although he did not think of himself as a “geek”, he was usually ahead of his peer group in leading changes that improved business results. While serving as a senior executive in a large corporation, he brought the first computers into the company.
While his extraordinary talent for influencing people, early adoption of technology and single-minded dedication served him well over the years, Mike encountered the usual setbacks, distractions and detours.
Sadly, it was Mike’s single-minded dedication to be well liked and gain material rishes that impoverished his life. One of the things Mike used to say was “you can’t get the heat without chopping the wood”. While this philosophy served him well throughout his career, he neglected to apply it to other areas of his life.
Like Willy Loman from Arthur Miller’s Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning play, “The Death of a Salesman“, Mike spent his entire life pursuing the American Dream and was only 63 when he died. To salesmen like Mike and Willy, the American Dream meant being well liked and attaining material success. Tragically, Willie and Mike’s obsession with success consumed them, leaving precious little time or energy for anything else. Perhaps the reason we find the play so compelling is because there is a little bit of Willy Loman in all of us. However, unlike Willy, Mike was actually well liked by many and did achieve success. Even more significantly, before he died, Mike recognized and admitted his mistake. To me, that was his ultimate triumph.
What do you want more than what you say you want?
One of the most successful business coaches I ever met used to tell his clients that what they wanted more than what they said they wanted was the chief cause of all the misalignment in their business and personal lives. No matter how vehemently we might express our convictions, values and goals, it is our deepest longings, especially those we have yet to acknowledge, that determine our destiny.
One example of this type of misalignment is a person who claims to care about the environment and preserving our natural resources but fails to take the time to recycle. While this person may cite valid reasons for not doing so such as not having a recycling service, the truth is that it is simply not important enough or they would do it. In other words, they are expecting to get the heat without chopping the wood.
In what areas of your life are you expecting get the heat without chopping the wood?
Necessary endings and new beginnings
Many of life’s endings are necessary. Just as the early Americans were compelled to end the Tyranny of British rule, I have come to believe that death is often the only recourse in response to the tyranny of diseases like cancer. If you know the anguish of standing by helplessly while someone you love suffers, you may be able to understand how death can be a necessary and welcome ending.
My perspective on death changed after living in Arizona for a number of years. One the most profound gifts I took away from that experience was a deep and abiding respect for the values, beliefs and practices of Native American Indians.
Dying and endings are not viewed the same way in traditional Native American cultures as they are by most Americans. In the natural world, whenever something that was living dies it is recycled into useful matter necessary to ensure the longevity of other life forms. It is all part of the interdependent and dynamic cycle of life. Contrary to the beliefs held by many of us from Western cultures, death is much more than a tragic loss. It is a vital component of what is needed to sustain the universe.
Another belief held by many Native Americans is that you must put back what you take. And, though Mike did not realize how “Indian” some of his philosophies were, he used to say, “you should produce as much, if not more, than you consume”.
Mike’s stated commitment and behavior were in complete alignment when it came to helping businesses succeed. He was one of the most professionally generous people I ever met. As a result, there are thousands of small business owners and professionals around the world who have benefited from his efforts. In this way, Mike’s story is a long way from ending.
Recently, I was reminded of how a person’s story continues after they die. Anyone who knew my late husband, Ron L. Fronk, appreciated the significant contributions he made during his lifetime. His professional speeches, seminars, books, audio-tapes and products have enriched the lives of people all over the world. Ironically, it was something that he did for fun that is making a difference today.
Although Ron was one of the most self-disciplined people you will ever meet, allowing himself few indulgences, he did enjoy playing golf, smoking an occasional cigar and brewing his own beer. My daughter Molly and her husband Greg so enjoyed Ron’s beer when they came to visit that when Ron died in the fall of 2003, I gave his beer making supplies to them. Greg has been brewing his own beer ever since.
This spring, Greg and Molly launched a microbrewery. American Sky Beer by the Hudson Brewing Company was inspired by the spirit of American heroism and individuality represented by the US aviators of World War II. The company slogan is “Let Freedom Pour”.
The inspiration for Molly and Greg was also personal. Molly’s grandfather (my Dad) served as a Tailgunner in the Navy during World War II. Greg’s grandfathers served in the Army during World War II and in Viet Nam. Also, Mike Clough was a member of the Special Forces during the late sixties.
Hudson Brewing Company, located at 1510 Swasey Street in Hudson Wisconsin, offered its first public tastings during Hudson Booster Days, Friday and Saturday, June 29 and 30. Distribution to area restaurants, bars, liquor stores and the opening of the brewery’s tap room with its aviation theme is slated for early fall.
One of the American Sky signature beers is called “Tailgunner Gold”, crafted from Ron Fronk’s original recipe. Another of their signature beers is called “Amber Salute”. An India Pale Ale called USA IPA will be released in September. You can follow American Sky Beer on Facebook.
So, what happens after the end?
Now that I have outlived two husbands, both of my parents, a brother, a sister, two sets of grandparents, most of my aunts, uncles and others too numerous to mention, I feel qualified to share some of my observations about this subject.
No matter what you may believe about what happens when someone dies, the impact they have had on others lives on. You see, like freedom, love carries a steep price. On a relation-ship; when someone you love dies, the course you’ve been on suddenly makes an abrupt turn towards a place you never intended to go and from whence you can never return; Life without the person you loved.
The difficulty in adjusting to this new place depends on how big of an impact they had on your life. The space in my life where Mike used to be is cavernous. Kind of like the one left by the icebergs when they receded from the place we now call the Grand Canyon in Arizona.
You may have noticed an absence of MainStreetChamber events and articles these past few months. My intention is to continue to serve the Minnesota business community. To that end, I am in the midst of a strategic planning process which more than likely will result in some repositioning. Please check this blog and/or your email for upcoming announcements.
Even though Mike died on April 6, 2012, it has taken me quite some time to be able to write about it. Each and every day, I wake up to the reality of life without Mike. One of the more challenging aspects of this new life is how to sustain the goals, objectives and activities and MainStreetChamber without him. Now, I must perform my own work as well as his. And, because I do not possess Mike’s myriad talents, many of the tasks he performed are not being completed on time, if at all. My hope is that those of you who have sent emails, tweets, texts or called will understand and grant me patience.
Start with the end in mind…
In my work as an organizational change consultant, I learned the importance of Steven Covey’s recommended approach in his wildly successful book, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”. Habit number two is to Begin with the End in Mind. Covey asserts that we must vividly imagine the kind of person we want to be, the kind of life we want to lead and the success we want to achieve before it can become reality.
Is the person you are today who you want to be? Is the life you are leading the one you want? Are you achieving the success you desire? If not, start by creating a detailed mental picture. Hold it in your mind for several minutes each morning after you wake up and each evening before you go to sleep.
A dear friend of mine, Mark LeBlanc, is someone I consider successful both personally and professionally. Mark teaches business owners that in order to achieve success they must develop the discipline of focus, consistency and building momentum for long term growth and results.
Mark has been a game-changer for literally thousands of small business owners and professionals in the course of his career, whether in his live presentations, coaching or his books, Growing Your Business and Never Be the Same, inspired by his 500 mile walk across Northern Spain.
His support of small business and MainStreet Chamber, with no thought of gain has been incredibly valuable to me and to Mike. When I needed a favor for MainStreet Chamber, Mark always said yes. For that reason, I strongly urge you to become familiar with his work and best business practices. You can reach Mark through www.SmallBusinessSuccess.com.
Mark started a foundation to support young entrepreneurs and gives $3,000 grants each Fall to aspiring and deserving entrepreneurs under 30. If you know one, encourage them to apply for a grant. To honor Mike’s memory, please consider making a contribution. Call Mark at (612) 339-4890 for a grant application or more information on how you can support this worthy endeavor.
The rest of the story
Like America itself, Mike sometimes fell short of his ideals, but that did not diminish the enormous impact he made while he was alive. As a matter of fact, one of the most profound contributions Mike made during his lifetime had nothing to do with business. During the late sixties Mike was a member of the Special Forces and served as a medic in the army. His job was to administer medical care to the injured and dying soldiers who were willing to pay the steep cost of freedom.
Someone once said that the average life expectancy for medics during that time was seven minutes. So, you can guess how amused I was when Mike, who had seen more blood and guts within the span of a couple of years than most people see in a lifetime, told me the most harrowing experience he could recall was when he delivered a baby on a helicopter.
I wonder if Mike could have imagined that the story he intended to create with his life would be the one people would tell. The story Mike was trying to create was about a serial entrepreneur. He probably didn’t give much thought to the parts of his story that I would feel were worth telling. He must have known that I would tell his story because I am a writer. However, In addition to being Mike’s business partner, for those of you who didn’t know, I was also his wife.
Thanks to people like Mike, my father, Greg’s Grandfather and millions of others who have paid their fair share of the cost of freedom, America’s story is a long way from being over. However, if we hope to fulfill the lofty vision of our forefathers, we must step up and do our part to ensure it.
In summary, I would encourage you to be mindful of the impact you are having on those around you – positive or negative and to make sure the story you are creating with your life is the one you want to be told because it will be. Perhaps it will be a loved one like me, a colleague or a customer. But, your story will be remembered and told by someone. The question is will it be worth telling.
Please feel free to share your thoughts about America, Mike Clough or the lasting impact others have had on your life in the comment section below. Or, you can share them privately with me by email at sfronk@mainstreetchamber.org
Filed under: Entrepreneurship,Leadership
35 Comments Leave a Comment
1.
Julie Weishaar | July 10, 2012 at 12:48 pm
WOW Susan, what a wonderful story and tribute to an amazing man. I met Mike (and you) many years ago when I was just starting out with my own business. The wisdom, strength, caring, and concern I received from BOTH of you was something I will never forget. You both took a personal interest in me and my trials and tribulations and for that I will always be grateful. Thank you Susan and many thanks to Mike – an inspiring man who will be sorely missed! May he rest in peace and may you find the strength you have inside you to carry on with love in your heart!
All the best,
Julie
2.
Paul Ries | July 11, 2012 at 2:34 pm
So sad to hear about Michael. I wish I had known at the time however we were in the process of getting through our home sale and a lot of other issues that go along with a major home move. We are now in Virginia, Lynchburg to be exact so it will be difficult to communicate with everyone. My sincere condolences to everyone.
Paul
3.
Susan Fronk | July 12, 2012 at 6:42 am
Thank you so much Julie and Paul for your kind words.
Most people who knew Mike professionally were impressed by his knowledge, talent and quick wit.
What many people did not know is that he had a very tender heart and a sweet nature. It is this that I miss the most.
4.
Julie Weishaar | July 12, 2012 at 2:25 pm
I knew that too Susan :)
5.
Donna Freeberg | July 13, 2012 at 12:14 pm
Oh Susan – I am so sorry – I know it was far too soon to let go. – Please let me know if there is anything you could use assistance with.
Peace and Faith my friend. Donna
6.
Mike Ramirez | July 13, 2012 at 1:42 pm
Susan, I’m so sorry to here about your loss. I had no idea Mike was ill?
Mike was a real mentor to me. Mike was a big part in helping me launch MainStreetChamber Ontario Chapter in California. I called him for advice on many occassions.
He will be missed by so many!
Many Blessings,
Mike Ramirez
7.
Susan Fronk | July 14, 2012 at 5:54 am
Mike, thank you for remembering Mike. As one of his former business partners said, he was truly an original.
8.
Susan Fronk | July 14, 2012 at 5:58 am
Donna, thank you for taking the time to read and comment on the article. I’m afraid its going to take some time for me to figure things out. I’ll give you a call.
9.
Steve | July 14, 2012 at 9:23 am
Beautiful story and my condolences to you Susan. I never did get to meet your husband Mike. But was hoping to soon share with him about what I am doing in Phoenix AZ with our MainStreetChamber Chapter.
MIke would of loved what we were doing with our membership starting a Freedom Quest America. A business & Civics school for young entrepreneurs to teach how Capitalism and Free Enterprise works best!
My goal is to see every MSC Chapter sponsor and start a Freedom Quest program in their community. I would love to start one on Mike Name and I would like to hear more about Mikes life and being a serial entrepreneur just like me.
I love your writing Susan,
God bless you,
Steve G. Sandoval
10.
Vitalia Bryn-Pundyk | July 14, 2012 at 10:09 am
Susan,
Roman and I wish to express our deepest sympathy. We knew Mike as a highly esteemed entrepreneur, successful business man, phenomenal writer, and a kind, compassionate individual who cared about making a difference in others’ lives.
He touched so many of us with his wisdom and business advice and was always willing to share his outlook on American freedom, pursuit of happiness, and economic growth.
He was well respected and highly knowledgeable on so many issues. We all admired him for his business acumen and his genuine concern for all.
Mike was a great mentor and teacher who inspired and taught us much. Although we will miss him very much, his great insights will continue to have a positive impact on all of us.
With deepest sympathy.
Sincerely,
Vitalia
11.
Jerry Biese | July 15, 2012 at 12:11 pm
Susan, I and no idea tha Mike had passed away way back in April. Your sharing of feelings is so awesome. You could be successful as a writer. To write so well of your husbands and Mike is so well done. I know of a couple of people who specialize in writing or doing a DVD to preserve family memories. That is becoming so important since so few written letters are written or preserved. Hope to see you at a Main Street Chamber planning event or an actual event.
Live is so short and why do some live only into their 20′s, 30′s, 40′s, 50′s, and 60′s and other into their 70′s, 80′s, and 90′s. Regardless, it is pretty short.
Jerry
12.
Richard Smith | July 19, 2012 at 5:11 am
This has saddened me today.
I first Mike online when he tracked me down after I had posted some comments about his Email Software he was having problems with.
Of course once I had managed to solve his problems we did have some interesting banter. Despite being ‘across the pond from each other’ in a different age group and course from a different background.
It was probably those differences that created a connection. Mike insisted on paying me for helping him out, I refused and he sent my children a parcel of sweets (candy) which they loved.
My last conversation with Mike was after some of the first treatment he had and we ended up discussing the issues with European Socialism. He did make me smile a lot during that conversation.
I did not know him well, but enough to say that he was certainly a valuable asset to U.S business owners and understood the issues, and was a lovely man to have known even for such short period.
My thoughts are with Susan and the Family. My family is sorry for your loss, but be assured he had a lasting impact on me and my children which is something to be proud of.
Richard
13.
Tom Lunney | July 19, 2012 at 5:29 am
Susan –
Thanks you for sharing such a powerful testimony and story about Mike and yourself. Few of us actually realize the footprint we are leaving on people’s souls or how our actions actually affect the people and events around us. Your posting here really spoke to me and made me realize that I had better take stock of very recent events that have changed a number of people’s lives (I hope for the better).
My deepest sympathy for your loss and for your willingness to step in and continue on with Mike’s legacy. You are very correct – what we leave behind says more about us that what we do today.
Kind Regards,
Tom
14.
Dr. Andy Rose | July 19, 2012 at 8:07 am
Susan, thank you for sharing the story of Mike. You write eloquently and with great humanism. Our America today is driven, in large part, by commercialism. Even the politics has divided us deeply with intense anger, stemming for many as I perceive it, from the impact of materialism.
The values you portray and discuss offer hope for a kinder, more caring community.
Please continue the Blog forum for those of us who seek meaning in positive human interactions and endeavors.
Dr. Andy Rose
http://www.Drandyrose.com
http://www.teachersaflame.com
15.
Tom Pick | July 19, 2012 at 8:16 am
Thank you Susan for writing such a beautiful, loving and thoughtful tribute to Mike. None of this can have been easy. I will always remember Mike as a “connector,” one of those guys who brought different people together who may never have met otherwise and got them to work together in ways they never would have on their own. Even while fighting his terrible illness, he put out more energy than most of us “healthy” people. He will be missed. I’m blessed to have gotten to know both of you.
16.
Doreen Pendgracs | July 19, 2012 at 9:56 am
Thanks so much for sharing this tribute to Mike, Susan.
It is so true that we don’t have the last words on our life. Others do. And we can only hope they shared the same positive image of our being as we hope we transmitted.
It’s obvious that Mike has left a most positive impact on your life and the life of others and lovely that you have shard that with us.
17.
Justin Lowery | July 19, 2012 at 12:28 pm
Oh man, I just learned about Mike’s passing. I’m really sad to hear that, and sorry for your loss. He was one of my favorite people with which to do business as he was just so nice and respectful. I owe a lot to him.
I wish you the best.
Justin
18.
Sam | July 19, 2012 at 2:07 pm
Susan, thanks for sharing Mike’s (and your) story. It is inspiring. I wish I had known him.
Unfortunately, most of us fail to realize how much our lives impact others, whether for good or bad. If we were more aware, we would probably be more careful how we speak and act. Hopefully your words will spur many to give that serious consideration.
Blessings,
Sam
19.
Kay Lewis | July 19, 2012 at 8:15 pm
An amazing tribute to your husband… thank you for sharing it.
Like you, I have experienced the loss of scores of relatives and friends…one of them to murder which rocked my world and set me on a new course as you described.
Thus, I wrote a book. It is called, “Funeral Etiquette…how to keep your foot out of your mouth” and is coming out this week on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
So many people say the darndest things because they have never been taught what to say. That’s fair. Schools and churches don’t teach it. It is a hushed subject in most homes.
That is now being challenged. I’m on a mission.
A kindred spirit,
Kay
20.
Susan Fronk | July 22, 2012 at 9:47 am
Steve,
Thank you for your kind remembrance of Mike and appreciation for my writing. It certainly appears as if you share many of Mike’s passions, attitudes and biases. I wish you all the best in your endeavors.
21.
Susan Fronk | July 22, 2012 at 9:58 am
Vitalia,
Yes, Mike definitely “walked his talk”, a necessity for influential business leaders that is unfortunately all too rare. As you know, he and I were so impressed with you and Roman as well as your work that we wanted you on our leadership team! I do hope you are enjoying the success you so richly deserve!
22.
Susan Fronk | July 22, 2012 at 10:09 am
Jerry,
Thank you for your comment. It is gratifying to know that you approved of my tribute to Mike. We spoke often about the valuable contribution you made to help us grow MainStreetChamber and to SCORE.
Actually, I would love an introduction to those contacts you mentioned who help to preserve family memories. If you are available next week let’s chat.
23.
Susan Fronk | July 22, 2012 at 10:12 am
Richard,
Now, it is you who have made me smile as I remember how “sweet” it was when Mike bought you that candy. He only bought me candy when we were having a disagreement!
24.
Susan Fronk | July 22, 2012 at 10:16 am
Tom,
Thank you for taking the time to comment. The longer I live, the more I am struck with the importance of consciously shaping our legacy.
25.
Susan Fronk | July 22, 2012 at 10:26 am
Dr. Rose,
Thank you for those kind words. So many things, like this blog, get pushed aside and neglected, relegated, as it were to a lover level of importance in the typical busy-ness of life. It is interesting how when we lose something or someone important, it forces us to pause long enough to think about where we may have put other things of great importance.
26.
Susan Fronk | July 22, 2012 at 10:44 am
Tom,
Thank you for expressing what many others felt about Mike. There was a velocity to Mike’s output that surpassed anything I had ever experienced before. Many times after we completed one of our work planning sessions and walked away with our individual to-do lists, I would be overwhelmed just thinking about what he wanted to get done. Most days, I ran out of energy long before I completed even a fraction of what was on my list. Not Mike. He would continue working, oftentimes all night until he had done everything in his power to complete his list.
27.
Susan Fronk | July 22, 2012 at 10:47 am
Doreen,
Thank you for your comment. Hmm…”Last words” sounds like a great title for a memoir.
28.
Susan Fronk | July 22, 2012 at 10:57 am
Justin,
Thank you for mentioning how you felt about doing business with Mike. This is an area where he “walked his talk”. Mike always advised business owners to be mindful of what it was like for their customers to business with them. Ensuring that his customers had a positive experience was a high priority for Mike.
29.
Susan Fronk | July 22, 2012 at 11:01 am
Sam,
Thanks for echoing my sentiments. I hope other readers feel as you do.
30.
Susan Fronk | July 22, 2012 at 11:11 am
Kay,
Thank you for taking the time to comment.
Congratulations and best wishes for success with your new book! I am delighted to know you have chosen this topic. Regrettably, we are bereft of protocol when confronted with these situations.
31.
Ty Easley | July 22, 2012 at 9:42 pm
My sincerest condolences. My husband is a cancer survivor. As a caregiver, I send prayers and blessings to you and your family. I am heart broken for your loss.
32.
Susan Fronk | July 23, 2012 at 7:14 am
Ty,
Thank you. Please accept my sincere respect for the courage and strength it took for you and your husband to survive. Many cancer survivors and their loved ones find a renewed sense of purpose and joy in life following remission. My hope is that you find this to be true for you.
33.
Mendal Mearkle | August 8, 2012 at 9:01 pm
I’m still feeling very, very diminished, Susan, as to Mike’s death. Each time I’d see him at SCORE St. Paul Chapter meetings, he would answer my query on how he was feeling with mirth, and a twinkle in his eye. What an unforgettable friend!
34.
Susan Fronk | August 8, 2012 at 9:30 pm
Oh Mendel…that twinkle in Mike’s eye was part of the spell he cast on me when we first met. It is one of the things I miss the most about him!
35.
Greg Boettner | August 9, 2012 at 9:42 am
Susan, thanks so much for sharing Mike’s story. Mike was a very special and caring person. He shared so much with me, the other members of SCORE and our clients. I believe he changed everything he touched, for the better. I’ll add comments to Al Hanzal’s letter in the SCORE Blog.
Sincerely,
Greg
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