Q: What inspired you to share your father’s wisdom?

A: After my father passed away, I was afraid that all his wonderful bits of wisdom would be lost. I began to write the book as a gift for my family and myself. All my life, I listened to his stories and took them to heart. I thought that by writing them down and framing them within my own story of starting out in the “people business,” I could help inspire others.

Q: How is the book relevant to our lives today?

A: The bigger question is, “How is it NOT relevant?” Every single human being has to figure out how to deal with the ups and down that life deals them in their everyday personal and professional lives. This book shares inspiring life lessons from a wise and happy man.

Q: Tell us about your father’s favorite saying, “Remember to pour the comeback sauce on everyone you meet.”

A: If a customer came into his butcher shop and asked for a pound of lunchmeat, he would give them a few more slices, smile and tell them he gave them a little bit extra. When it came to pleasing people, he would say, “Ask yourself if you think that they left happy.”

Q: How was your relationship with your father unique?

A: I am 1 of 10 children, but my father had a way of making each one of us feel special. He recognized our individual needs and talents and brought out the best in each of us. I’m proud that I earned my B.D.—which stands for Butcher’s Daughter—by spending hours at the family table, listening to my father’s stories about how he achieved success by making deep connections with the people around him.

Q: How will business owners benefit from your father’s example?

A: I’m hoping that business owners and managers will read my book and realize that its wisdom can transform the working relationships they have with their staffs. People learn best by hearing stories. That’s how my father taught my siblings and me.

Q: How did your father’s lessons help you succeed in the business world?

A: I worked my way up in the staffing industry, from the front desk all the way to senior management. On the way, I always remembered my father’s advice on the importance of making a good first impression and giving people just a little bit more than they expected. Today, I use what he taught me to coach professionals to reach their goals, enhance working relationships and improve team performance.

Q: What can today’s business owners and corporations can do to improve customer service?

A: Customers feel the lack of the personalized, friendly service that they used to receive. When you call a company for service these days, most times you get tangled up in voice-activated technology. Lunchmeat & Life Lessons reminds us that the personal connection is still the most important part of any business transaction.

Q: How does a company’s staff reflect today’s deterioration of customer service?

A: In my dad’s day, businesses were smaller and more personal. Today, big box stores hire hundreds of employees who are typically the lowest paid, least educated segment of the population. They have little experience themselves in being treated as important customers.

Q: How do you think today’s parents can get their children to listen to their advice?

A: First and foremost, parents need to walk the walk, not just talk the talk. Children are very perceptive. They immediately see through a parent whose actions contradict their advice. My father lived his words. We could see the positive outcomes of his homey sayings and that’s why we took them to heart.

Q: How will your book help people who want to succeed at their jobs or careers?

A: My father liked to say, “Get out your ‘blinders’ and put them on.” In other words, don’t get distracted by the negativity going on around you. Focus on doing the best job you can and always give a little extra. Lunchmeat & Life Lessons shares stories about how my father built a successful business and how I used what he taught me to rise to the top of my profession.