07/21/2025
In the early 2000s, I worked in residential construction. As a general contractor, my days were long, dusty, and jammed with deadlines difficult to hit. I rehabbed homes, managed teams, solved problems, raced the clock, and frequently fell short.
On one specific job site, a man challenged me through his presence to slow down, celebrate the gift of the moment and authentically connect with others.
Walt Suhre walked by the jobsite with his dog each day. He’d wave, call me out for our daily visit, give me some trouble, then some encouragement, before thanking me for making his neighborhood even more beautiful.
Now listen, there were many days I did not want to stop work for these visits. There was just too much to do, too much going wrong, not enough time.
But something in Walt — his consistency, his joyfulness, his genuine interest- made me pause, slow down, and simply savor the conversation.
Back then, I had no idea who he really was. No idea he had served in the Marine Corps. And no idea he was general counsel at one of the largest companies in the world.
I had no idea that years later, I’d sell my pickup truck and tool belt, buy a laptop and sport coat, and begin a journey as an inspirational speaker. And no idea whatsoever that eventually Walt and I would reconnect in an even more meaningful way.
You see, in 2010, Walt and a few other Marines from the Vietnam era understood the struggles of transitioning from miliary to civilian life, and they determined to use their knowledge to help a new generation of Marines who had enlisted for their country, fought oversees, came home, but continued to battle PTSD, survivors’ guilt, depression and physical injuries.
A decade after leaving the jobsite in his neighborhood, I received an invitation from Walt to present at one of the gatherings of this young organization. In agreeing to it, I had no idea I would fall in love with this organization’s mission, no idea that these veterans would become my brothers and sisters, and no idea I would speak to FOCUS Marines Foundation more than 40 times over the next decade.
This beautiful journey began in the front yard of an active construction site, taking time to visit with a neighbor. It began with a smile. A conversation. A few minutes each morning visiting with a stranger and his dog.
Here’s the point, my friends: you never know who the person in front of you might be.
You don’t know what they’ve done, what they carry, how you might add value to their lives or how they might one day transform yours.
So instead of wondering if they’re someone important or someone worthy of your precious time, simply treat them as if they are.
Because then you won’t need to guess if they’re the one who might change your life.
You’ll already know they are.
Today is your day. Live Inspired.
