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I don’t get this soccer thing. A bunch of guys running around a field that is 120 yards long at full speed for 90 minutes chasing a ball and they can only use their feet, body or hands to touch it. Only the goalie inside the box can use his hands.

And most games end in scores like 1-0, 2-1, and zzzzzz, you know what I mean.

But FIFA has accomplished something not even the NFL (the most powerful USA sports organization) has: Created the most watched game in the world. Heck, a small stadium in S. Africa holds 200,000 fans. So much for the Big House.

I have to admit I found myself watching TEAM USA this past Saturday and my interest piqued when they tied the score. But it was more than that.

World Cup Soccer is really no different than the Olympics. It galvanizes countries and takes their best athletes to represent them. You can see the expressions on coaches when their team scores a goal or allows a goal. You sense that same expression is found on the country’s leaders.

Team USA represents the USA. They won more medals in the last Olympics than any other country. Ratings for NBC were the highest. Ratings for soccer in the USA have been the highest ever.

Bottom line is that national sports teams competing against other countries is an amazing thing when you stop to think about it. Who in the USA doesn’t want TEAM USA to win? Who in Brazil doesn’t want TEAM BRAZIL to win?

And here’s the other thing: Competition is fierce but teams play against each other regardless of politics, business, allies, enemies, religion or skin color. Everyone is equal, everyone is the same, and everyone plays by the same rules.

Here’s what I propose for the G20 countries: Bring in FIFA and the Olympic Committee and have them figure out how we can use their models to help eliminate all the hatred and animosity that seems to never end, both within each country’s residents and their neighbors.

Now that would be using their heads wisely.

Happy Wednesday!

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In one conclusive study, a group of 100 adults were asked if their driving skills were below average, average or above average. Nearly 80% of the adults responded above average.

This study mirrors hundreds and thousands just like it. As a driver we know first hand that 80% of adult drivers are not above average.

The point is that most people think they are above average in everything they do. But that is impossible since the law of averages would be unfounded and it never will be. In any group, there is an average (median) where half the group is above and half the group is below.

Schools and colleges understand the law of averages when it comes to scoring exams. Sometime teachers/professors curve the averages or else more than half the class would fail. And we surely notice at graduation only a mere percentage are wearing special caps and gowns.

All of which brings me to my point that people do the damnest things. “The grass is greener on the other side” is an expression that is more true than not. People think that what other people do is easy, simple and no big deal. They think they can do it better and faster. Consequently, people move from one field to another only to fail miserly not understanding why. That is because they don’t know about the law of averages and they are not above average in everything they do.

Personal, family and business relationships all run into this on a daily basis. Carnival games play off this mentality by making their games look easy with big stuffed animals given away to the suckers. Above average people think they can sink the basketball or get the ring around the Coke bottles. Carnies know better.

Families test this law out each and every holiday when they get together. Invariably there are games, contests, and/or statements that are made that others disagree with or will compete against to make a point. No wonder there are more heated times at family events than good times.

And in business, the same is true. There are those that think I come into work each day, sit at my desk, stare at my computer, make a few calls, email and then go home. They think there is nothing to running a business and they can do it themselves and do it better.

Hey, I got nothing wrong with that thinking. Who knows how many people have left Google to start their own businesses. But in the world where law of averages always wins and small-minded people think they are above average, those people always lose. And lose hard.

What makes a great company isn’t the CEO/founder, it’s the people. When you have the best people, it doesn’t matter who leaves the company, there is always someone or some team to step in to get the job done. I have always said that if the President dropped dead at 3:00PM, Washington D.C. restaurants would still be packed at 6:00PM with people sipping martinis and eating steaks. The world goes on with or without you.

Luckily, the law of averages works at TNG. Most people leave on good terms, give two weeks or more notice, and move on to the next part of their life. That’s the way it should be. We respect that. But it’s those few that think the law of averages doesn’t apply to them and step out without respect and think the world owes them something.

Truth it, no one is owed anything.

Happy Tuesday!

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July 1 begins a new era at TNG. And I have never been more excited.

TNG Hospitality takes the company full circle by filling in the missing link thus allowing all its customers (referred to as guests) to get everything they need from one source. Our business strategy for Hospitality is simple: To be the official concierge of Hospitality.

While Hospitality is all-encompassing, what’s most telling about this industry is that it’s based on guest satisfaction and the ability to deliver services over and above expectations. The Ritz-Carlton figured this out long ago and remains the only hotel chain that has won not one, but two Malcolm Baldrige awards for quality.

The Ritz understands their guest’s needs and documents their best guests relentlessly. Properties such as The Peninsula, Four Seasons, Wynn, and Montage live and breathe this credo as well. But there are thousands others, mostly independent, that strive to be the best.

That’s where we come in. If our guest’s can dream it, we can make it. From custom filling to custom manufacturing to custom packaging, TNG Hospitality is all-encompassing. It debuts officially with the launch of thebeautybook Fall 2010 edition coming out early July. It was quite the undertaking.

I’ll give you a hint of what is up our sleeves and in some instances, it truly is magic. One area that upscale properties are focused on is in-room refillable amenities. Instead of offering bottles of shower items, lotions and such, they provide refillable containers that are both earth-friendly and  “green.” Not only did we develop a complete system for properties, but we went a step further and designed a tamper-resistant bracket to prevent theft of the bottles.

It’s amazing the things you get excited about when you launch something new. Organza bags is another one of those things. Organza bags are shear and have a pull-string top that closes the bag to create the perfect gift presentation. They come in many colors and sizes. As the official concierge of Hospitality, organza bags are a big deal to properties. For this reason alone, we now stock the largest assortment of organza bags in the USA.

Yes, this is exciting and truly is a leap forward to begin our next 25 years. Stay tuned for more such news.

Happy Tuesday!

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I love summer. Here are some reasons why:

• Morning sunshine at 5:30AM
• Evening sunshine at 9:30PM
• No more school busses
• No more 16 year olds driving Jeeps to school
• 60 degree mornings
• T-shirt, shorts and flip-flops on weekends
• Cooking and eating outside
• Outdoor activities beat indoor anytime
• No more school busses
• Sun dresses
• Jimmy Buffett at DTE
• thebeautybook Fall edition debuts July 1
• Not one, not two, but three holiday weekends
• Driving with the top down

Alas, there are a few reasons why summer can be a bummer:

• Days start getting shorter
• No time to watch True Blood or Kitchen Nightmares
• Going to bed when it’s still light outside
• Never cool off after running
• Mosquitoes, vols and geese
• Orange barrels and more orange barrels

All in all though, summer is still the best!

Happy first day of summer!

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This is a funny story. Gilberto (there are thousands of “Gilberto’s” out there but for this story, the name works) got inspired to take on running from a co-worker who got inspired by another co-worker.

Gilberto was amazed that his co-worker out of nowhere could run a 5K, 10K, half-marathon and then run the Chicago marathon this fall all in the matter of a few short years.

This inspired him to try out running. Like all new runners, the first mile was treacherous. But Gilberto didn’t give up and persevered. No way did he want to give up and let his co-worker make fun of him.

Through a lot of courage, he signed up for his first 5K and climbed his way from jogger status to runner status. He beat his goal of 30 minutes and felt wonderful. Gilberto was so excited, so happy, so elated, so he was ready to take it to the next level.

But one thing that continued to nag on him was his weight. Being 15-20 pounds over his ideal running weight, he really didn’t pay much attention to it all these years. Now, the weight became a factor and he couldn’t figure out why he wasn’t losing any of it since he took up running.

Now comes the funny story.

So I’m working with Gilberto on a small project and he tells me the story about his weight. I ask him what he eats, what time he eats and other simple questions. Gilberto answers innocently enough that he eats 6 times a day and eats plenty of fruit and veggies.

I said that was perfect but you must be eating something more than fruit and veggies. That’s when he told me his fifth meal was dinner which was at 8:00PM (after working out). I asked, “Are you eating bread, potatoes, and pasta?” His eyes opened wide and said “I eat lots of bread, potatoes, pasta and everything else.” Not good Gilberto.

Now what about your sixth meal? “Right before bed at around 10:30PM, I have a bowl of ice cream (he shows me the size of the bowl with his two hands making a large oval circle) and a banana (I think he omitted the whipped cream).” I shudder. Mind you, not low fat ice cream either. I said, “Gilberto, do you realize you are eating 500 calories every night and over a period of one year that equals 180,000 added calories?” He was shaken. He had no idea. No more ice cream at 10:30PM.

The next morning I see Gilberto to find out if he gave up his ice cream the night before. He says sheepishly, “Yes, but I am starving.” And what is he doing while I ask him this? Chowing down on a foot long sub made with white bread, and stuffed with ham, cheese and oozing with mayo.

Gilberto took a large bite and then calmly looked at the sandwich and then me and said, “I guess this is my last ham and cheese sandwich.”

Right on Gilberto. Now you can make plans for that 10K.

Happy Thursday!

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Izzo was the last man standing in Michigan that had character. When the announcement was made that Dan Gilbert, a MSU alumni that happens to own the Cleveland Cavaliers, made an offer to Izzo for some $6 million a year plus, plus, plus, well, us Spartans went into shock and silently and sometimes loudly said, “Oh no, not again.”

Nine days later, Izzo did the right thing not because of his fans, not because of his President, not because of his Athletic Director, and certainly not because of LeBron James and the media; he did it because of himself.

Izzo defines character like no one else and will now be the role model for leaders throughout sports, politics and perhaps business. Character is a tough word to live up to as we saw what happened to Tiger Woods who prior to Izzo was perhaps #1 in sports in this category. The photo below tells all.

For 15 years, Izzo has been involved with MSU athletics. He taught hundreds of kids way more than basketball skills. Those kids delivered and sent MSU’s team to 6 Final Fours in 12 years winning one creating the most winning program in the nation. Those kids are breathing a sigh of relief today. And while many of them are long gone and some in the pro’s, their sigh of relief is for one reason: Character.

I got to chat with Izzo a couple times at Final Four events and listen to him talk. He’s not about ego, power, or money. He’s about winning and winning fair and square. No lies, no payoffs, no drugs, no steroids, no bullshit. How many people can you say that about at his level?

Thank you Tom Izzo. Thank you Tom Izzo for becoming a MSU Spartan for life. As one, I can tell you it’s a good feeling and with you around it will be a better feeling especially after you stated in your press conference that you are going to work with Dantonio and help make MSU’s football program a winner.

It’s a good day to be a Spartan. For once good news from a press conference. And if Tom Izzo has one more wish in his pocket, it will be to hold his next press conference after winning his second championship.

Happy Wednesday and GO GREEN!

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A month ago I barely endured Endodontic surgery (if you read that blog, you would think twice about having it) and yesterday I endured Mohs surgery. Although having two surgery operations in one month is brutal, the two couldn’t be more different from each other.

You may ask, “What is Mohs surgery?” No, it’s not a surgery named after one of the 3 Stooges. In a nutshell, it’s an operation to remove an oversized basal cell typically more than 2cm (one inch=2.54cm).

You may ask, “What is a basal cell?” No, it’s not something that you get from eating to much basil. It’s a type of skin cancer that comes from too much sun and in my case, can be too many sunny genes. Unlike melanoma, it’s not fatal but still needs to be removed from the skin. I feel like a voodoo doll.

So I went back in my mind 30-35 years and thought about tanning. I was never one for the tanning salon although I did try it a few times. I didn’t like how I smelled afterwards but I really didn’t like the “CLICK” sound after the session was over. One moment you are sleeping, toasty warm and in la-la land and the next moment, it’s like you were tossed from your car driving 50 miles an hour.

I also worked most weekends so I didn’t have a lot of time for the beach. But I do remember my parents taking me to this place called “Sandy Beach” and I know SPF wasn’t around then. I also remember going to Florida a couple times in college and bringing the infamous Hawaiian Tropic Dark Blend along with an aluminum sheet. Alas, I also remember getting the worse case of sunburn and freezing under the sheets for 24 hours.

Whatever the reason, I have basal cells and there is nothing I can do but take care of them. Mohs surgery is fairly simple. You sit or lay on a surgical bed, the doctor talks about restaurants and condos while he is clipping away your skin with multiple types of scissors and then he takes a scalpel and digs deep to remove the basil cell. This comes deluxe with 20 stitches and if you are lucky, you are done in one session which lasts about 20 minutes. I was lucky.

Due to the stitches and swelling, the doctor gave me the worse news of all: No working out for one week. No running. No yoga. No weights. No sweating. Nothing to increase your blood pressure. Oh, he told me if you try and your blood congulates behind your wound, he would have to do it all over again and then I would be out 3 months. I believe him. This will be my first week off in 34 years.

With endodontic surgery, I only had to wait 48 hours to workout. Hmmm, the worse possible pain but workout in 48 hours or no pain but no workout for one week. Don’t even ask!

Happy Tuesday!

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Sara Blakely had no idea what was getting herself into when she started SPANX. Blakely’s understanding of women’s bodies gave her the idea that most woman have something they would like to tuck, make smaller, or look better.

Like all ideas, this one started out very simple with a few Shapewear items in nude. Fast forward to today and SPANX’s catalog is 40 pages.

You can now buy Shapewear for:

• Bust
• Tummy
• Butt
• Hips
• Arms
• Legs
• Feet
• Thighs
• Torso
• Breasts

You can buy Shapewear in a variety of colors, layer it, wear it inside clothing, wear it outside clothing, wear it by itself and pretty much, cover your body with it.

While SPANX is the leading independent producer, global companies such as Maidenform and Jockey have stepped in and now department stores have complete Shapewear sections.

I have no idea if this is a trend or fad but leaning towards trend as sales continue to spike up. It’s amazing.

Being a guy (oh yes, there is now Shapewear for guys), I am very happy to be married. I can only imagine dating a girl, getting her into the bedroom and well, you know where this is going.

Shapewear has done for obesity what Lipitor has done for cholesterol. Looks like you can now have your cheeseburger and fries and look great too!

Happy Thursday!

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Do you remember when you were in the backseat with your brother or sister driving to a destination and you constantly asked “How much longer?”; “Are we there yet?” It seemed like it take forever.

They say as you get older, time goes by faster. You have more responsibilities, less free time and more demands on your life. They may be right.

In your 20’s, typical bedtime is 11PM or later.

In your 30’s, it’s 10PM or later.

And in your 40’s and 50’s, it’s 9PM or later.

Going to bed earlier may have something to do with it. But consider this. Do you find Monday-Friday goes by fast and Friday night to Monday morning goes by even faster?

Mind you, I have spoken to plenty of retired people who don’t work and they claim that the days and nights zip by. And they do nothing! Oh, if you call playing cards, golfing and reading something, excuse me.

You may have noticed I haven’t blogged in the past two days. No, it’s not because I was out of town, life became a blur. And while it still is, I decided to take a “time-out” to write this.

As a runner, I think I have the answer. It’s called being in the “zone.” Runners, swimmers, and bicyclists endure long periods of training by being in the zone. It’s a place where you don’t think about what you are doing, you don’t think about time and it allows your mind to wander without interference.

For me, the same thing occurs at work. Being in the zone, it’s lunchtime when it should be 10AM. It’s 6PM when it should be 3PM. And at the end of the day, you wonder where the time went.

Naturally, only some days are we in the zone. Surely working and retired folks are in the zone more often and it’s a good place to be. Being out of the zone or never in the zone can be stressful and cause negative emotions. It’s easy to understand why.

This entire week and the following week will be zone weeks. We are finishing up thebeautybook Fall edition, July/August edition of The Industry Source magazine, putting the final touches on our newest division and in the middle of planning a huge product release in the Fall. All good, all exciting, all in the zone.

Happy Wednesday!

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Working 20 years at any company is a feat these days. All too often when an accomplishment like this happens, the employee is not recognized or receives a pin and/or pen. That is why some 20 years ago I came up with a talent (employee) appreciation program to reward 10 and 20 year talent.

After being in business for 25 years, I am happy to say we have our very first 20 year talent! Mr. Gary Lincoln has not only become a master blog commentator, but has been able to relish in his role in our distribution centers. Congratulations to Gary and enjoy your one week Caribbean cruise!

What’s better than:

• A hot shower
• First cup of coffee
• Clean car
• Clear garage
• Full box of Kleenex
• First sip of cold beer
• Winning a game
• A full tank of gas
• Good pizza
• Hot fries and cold ketchup
• Peanuts
• A perfect game
• Being in love
• Making the last payment
• Friday at 5:00 (It’s 5:00 somewhere)
• A good night’s sleep
• A good book

What’s worse than:

• An empty toilet paper roll
• Being late
• A phone call at 3:00AM
• Taking out the garbage after a long day
• Cleaning the house after a party
• Getting an unexpected bill in the mail
• “Hello, this is the IRS”
• Blue lights flashing behind you
• Warm soup
• Women wearing bikinis and men wearing Speedo’s that shouldn’t
• Your doctor calling you back
• Any dental appointment
• Red lights when you are in a hurry
• Empty gas tank when it’s cold and blustery
• No A/C on a 90 degree day
• Forgetting to buy one ingredient when cooking
• Losing
• Political campaigns

Happy Friday!