What Inspires you?

[Waxman]

I'm inspired by our trade shows as well as trips to the city.

Music inspires me, too, as well as any time away from the grind for a couple days.

My inspiration often brings forth creative ideas in business and music, which seem to work well when implemented.

I also get inspired reading trade magazines and find good ideas in there to try.

How about you? What inspires you?

 

[bigleo48]

Waxman,

I had some discussions about this over the holidays. It's important to be inspired by something...it prevents you from getting into a rut, or inversely, it ensures you continue to learn and evolve and thus not become bitter.

Ideas inspire me. I like to have the time to think and come up with ideas, then try to act on them. Reading good newspapers or books (although I don't seem to have the time for many books).

Travel inspires me. There's nothing like getting out of your element to put things in perspective. So we try and travel a couple of times a year.

Big

 

[Whale of a Wash]

Inspired by good motivational speakers
I love my washes in the warm months and tolerate them now.
I love to go places, but the ICA is about the only time off i have.
Inspired by the people i see at the washes, I don't want to be like them!
Inspired by the youthful thoughts of my kids

 

[bigleo48]

Inspired by the people i see at the washes, I don't want to be like them!

Interesting comment...wanna elaborate? Is it a comment on vanity, time, consumerism or cleanliness? What do you want to be like?

As a young man, I constantly observed the older people around me...especially at work. To me it was a window into the future and what it could be if I stayed on my current path. It was often a "wakeup call" that motivated me to change course. Now I understand that change and personal evolution is necessary...so I'm always looking to change and not get into a rut. I feel big changes coming...but I have not idea what they are!?

Big

 

[Whale of a Wash]

There are some at the wash that i wish i was l more like, dressed better, more time, better car, but i probably meant the type that abuse a place with lots of dirt and garbage all over the place, and quite disrespectful. I have such respect for every business owner, and try to leave every hotel, or fast food place cleaner than when i came in. Recently as a pilot we borrowed a vehicle in a town we flew into(Airport courtesy Car). We washed it before returning it, I also got to try out someones wash. The owner wanted to schedule us to come back when it needed washing again. The normal courtesy is to put gas in it only. I don't want to be the guy where they lock the door when they see you

 

[bigleo48]

Yeah...don't want to be a dirtbag either...

 

[chadrpalmer]

a nearly 3 year old girl named Maija Lee Palmer, my dear daughter, inspires me like nothing else in the world ever has. she makes me feel younger than 36 when we play horsie (im the horse, of course) she makes me feel smarter than i am when she is amazed by my knowledgeable answers to her simple questions (whats this daddy, whats this) she makes me happy than i knew possible when she says "love you too daddy" to my i love you's. and she makes me feel important when she says "you can fix it daddy!"

 

[Waxman]

a nearly 3 year old girl named Maija Lee Palmer, my dear daughter, inspires me like nothing else in the world ever has. she makes me feel younger than 36 when we play horsie (im the horse, of course) she makes me feel smarter than i am when she is amazed by my knowledgeable answers to her simple questions (whats this daddy, whats this) she makes me happy than i knew possible when she says "love you too daddy" to my i love you's. and she makes me feel important when she says "you can fix it daddy!"

Very Sweet indeed!

 

[rph9168]

In all my years in this industry I have always thought it is one where most people are very good at sharing information to help each other succeed. I get inspired by this and when I am able to help people solve their problems or share some of the knowledge I have acquired from my experience. I have always tried to benefit from the experience of others. It has saved me at times from making the same mistakes.

On the flip side I get annoyed with those who always feel that everyone has an ulterior motive when they offer advice or help. I realize that sometimes that is true but one should always consider the source as well as the information or advice that is offered before passing judgment.

 

[Red Baron]

When I see the local mobile wash guy on the side of the highway, with a flat tire, in the rain. I was temped to pull up and offer him a tire iron...but I didn't trust what I'd do with it.

Ok really, I'm inspired by random acts of kindness and unselfishness. Like when a customer tells me my vender is jack-potting product and his pockets aren't bulging. Like when someone hands me a quarter or a dollar they found on the parking lot. Like when someone bothers to get some tape from their vehicle, write "Out of order" on it and sticks it on my malfunctioning equipment.

 

[pitzerwm]

What inspires me is when you guys help each other everyday, and someone with an expensive problem is saved a bunch of moeny. Nothing better. Well, when a good looking younger woman wants to jump my bones, oh yeah, its been a few years and as I remember it was a dream

 

[Waxman]

Vegas inspires me!

 

[crewchief97]

People that respect themselves and others!!!

 

[I.B. Washincars]

Vegas inspires me!

You're hooked too! Mary and I take a few extra days of vacation after the show and just play tourist. Last year when I returned to the hotel after the last day of the show I jokingly referred to it as the second worst day of the year (yeah, I really enjoy the expo). Mary asked me what was the worst day since she knew how much I liked the CW show. The answer was "The day we get on that plane to come home".

 

[ted mcmeekin]

Leaders who take the right tough action without hesitation. eg

Kennedy during cuban missile crisis--dispatched Naval blockade quickly.

Reagan when confronted with "you can't fire all striking air traffic controllers"--they were wrong!!!!

Bush to 9/11 terrorists--"you will be hearing from us real soon"

Dupont Chemist who was confronted by sassy reporter--Is it true you invented agent orange?--Yes and I would do it again if I thought I could save one American soldier.(not exact quote but something like this.

Ted