J. Brian Calva’s Post

Regarding my 15th anniversary at Beaudry Oil and Propane 17 years ago, my wife, aware I was disappointed with my career path, suggested I write down what I thought would be the ideal job for me. I took the assignment seriously and spent some time on my list. Included was: -It would have to be a faith based workplace, as I was fatigued from the kind of divisiveness in today's businesses. I believed there could be a competitive environment somewhere while being edifying all at the same time. I just hadn't found it. I never understood the need to add expletives to a sentence to make a point. -It would need to be a place that allowed me flexibility to attend a parent teacher meeting without upsetting my work schedule. Perhaps I could surprise my wife with a lunch date, without disrupting my work day. -It would be a place where I had a voice, not because I have all the answers, but because I have some of them. -They would need someone with marketing ideas, that could pitch an ad or a billboard now and then, that might actually find its way to publication. -It would pay a large enough salary that would care for our family so that we could homeschool when we needed to, travel on mission trips when asked to, and have extra seed to sow when called to. -Back then, we needed a vehicle so my list included a company car, gas card, technology, and any tools I would need that in the past I had to provide, but found difficult to maintain. -Having worked weekends in the past, my perfect job would be Monday through Friday, essentially 8-5 with weekends and holidays off. -Finally, it would have to be a place where I was free to move at my speed which is freakishly different than anyone else's. If we decided to help out a customer...now is good service, while tomorrow is not. Those were the things I wrote on that list. I read it to my wife, folded it in half, and set it in my bedside table...and moved on with my life. Two years later, in December, of 2008, I was offered a sales position at Beaudry Oil and Propane that literally fit every item on my list and a few more. As years went by, promises were made by upper management that came true, such as promotion to Sales Manager, and other opportunities. I work for a company that does not blink if I am found praying for a customer who just lost a loved one to cancer, and that continues to honor a former coworker, years after they've moved on or retired. There is a culture of honor here that can't be explained but needs to be experienced and I'm grateful I have had the opportunity to do so and continue to for years to come. My daughter attends school one block away from my office and potential lunch dates with my bride of 25 years are just 7 minutes away. Our bills are paid, missions are a reality, and... we have seed to sow. This is my anniversary month here at Beaudry and they celebrated me appropriately on the occasion. I just thought it would be right to celebrate them right back.