Giving Thanks at Nolechek's Meats
As we round the final turn and enter the last month of what has been a whirlwind of a year, it’s important to take a breather and reflect on how far Nolechek’s Meats has come in the past (almost) 70 years and to recognize the countless opportunities and blessings that we’ve encountered over the years. According to the Family Business Institute, 30% of family business move into a second generation; 12% transition to a third; and only 3% successfully operate into the fourth generation. To simplify, if 100 family businesses began at the same time as Nolechek’s, only three would still be in operation. It is a sobering reminder to never “rest on your laurels”, as my Bumpa would quip.
One of the most profound realizations I’ve had the past two years is how thankful I am for my faith, family, and friends. I am beyond grateful for the people in my life – whether past, present, or the ones I have yet to meet; whether they relate to my personal life or I know them through the business.
I’ve come to understand the importance of surrounding myself with people that challenge me to become the best version of myself. It’s humbling to admit we need others, but when times get tough, relationships can lighten the load. In business, there are the 3P’s which represent people, process, and product. The success of our business can be attributed to the people that make up our team and the growth of Nolechek’s Meats over the course of the last seven years has proven that our team is our most valuable resource. A business can have the greatest product and the best process, but if you don’t have the people to carry the dream and vision through, it’s all for nothing.
As it relates to family business and life in general, resilience, perseverance, and work-ethic are the values for which I’m most grateful. I experienced firsthand the sacrifice, hard work, and dedication that goes into running a business and saw how Bill and Kelly worked tirelessly to continue the family tradition. Every day I get to come to work and do what I love. I walk through the buildings and know what went into building this dream and am privileged and blessed to have the opportunity to tell the story of my family business, our team, interact with our customers, and to share the legacy of what we’ve created.
“Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” are the three unalienable rights which the Declaration of Independence states have been provided to all humans by their creator and which the government was created to protect. I am blessed to live in a country where I am free to make choices and experience life. It may not always be easy, fair, or fun, but it is up to me to make the best of it. The choices life presents aren’t always between better and best and are often out of our control. We sometimes must choose between bad and poor to get the point where someday we may choose from better or best. I’ve learned what I can control is my reaction and it’s up to me to make the best and most of each day I’m given. Personal accountability and responsibility are values that have brought me to where I am today – living the American Dream.
To our customers, fans, and fellow Americans, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support, it is humbling and empowering. You are all part of the most important part of the United States and our business – the people. I hope each of you can find something to be thankful for this Thanksgiving and Holiday season; and if you’re so inclined, focus your attention and efforts on multiplying that gratitude. We all have the opportunity to start somewhere, big or small, and be the change we wish to see in our families and communities. May we never forget that we here because of the American spirit, ingenuity, and because of those that have dedicated their lives to preserving our freedoms.
- Lindsey Fox (Nolechek)
