The Carpenter: A Story About the Greatest Success Strategies of All

Chapter 8You Will Know

“When did you first realize the difference between a carpenter and a craftsman?” asked Michael.

The carpenter paused for a few moments as a tear ran down his cheek. “When I was a teenager, I was watching my father make a cabinet for the first time. He was using the finest and most expensive wood available. We didn’t have a lot of money so I asked him why he didn’t use cheaper wood for the back of the cabinet, which no one would see. My father shook his head and said no. I asked him why not, since no one will know. My father replied, ‘I will know. You will know. We will know.’

“That’s when I knew what it meant to be an artist. That’s when I knew I would be a craftsman even though the costs were greater. The wood was more expensive; the work required more energy, focus, and effort; the process was filled with more sweat and failure; and the years and tears it took to master my craft were greater, but it was the only way. My father taught me that when I fall in love with the process, I will love what the process creates.”

“It’s not easy,” Michael said, knowing the sweat, tears, and years he put into his career in sales before launching Social Connect.

“No, it’s not easy at all,” the carpenter continued, becoming more animated than Michael had ever seen him. “Everyone can be a craftsman or craftswoman but not everyone is willing to become one. As I walk this earth and city, I find that everyone wants to do what the great ones do but very few are willing to ...