This book is dedicated to my father, Chuck Shafer (1927–2001). My father was more than a survivor; he welcomed change and was an early adopter in every sense of the word. He was fascinated with new cars, new cities and towns, new technology, and friends who could teach him new ideas. And he did it all without any hidden agenda.
My dad was a man of the highest integrity, manners, and sense of adventure. He held a multitude of positions and titles throughout his life: crop dusting pilot, car salesman, man who built his own aerobatic airplane, thirty-second-degree Mason, and beloved executive with ARCO. Yet he took the most pride in being as much fun as any neighbor could be.
When he passed away in 2001, my mother gave me a large box containing about a hundred handwritten cards and letters from his “fans.” A lot of people (most of whom we didn't even know) detailed his kind acts and warm remembrances. Seriously, complete strangers recounted good deeds that my mother and I never knew about. For 71 years, my dad had been sneaking around behind our backs . . . being a nice guy.
Though I hadn't predicted it—or intended for it to happen—many of my dad's life lessons kept surfacing as I was studying dozens of organizations for fresh growth practices in a tough economy. The survivor who was my father still resonates in other people's actions and success.
I wish I could thank you in person, Pop!
