Believe and Achieve!
Jay and Karen are joined by David Kelly, leader of an innovative program bringing ‘family friendly’ housing and opportunities for home ownership to small towns across America.
The Town of Newport is on the way to an exciting revitalization. Positive change is in the air. Jobs being created, new businesses coming to town, homes being built, advances in education and more. All driven by a community with vision and belief – creating its own bright future. And, of course, it all starts with a deep, unwavering belief.
Often when faced with a challenge, it’s easy to focus on the obstacles that stand in our way and use them as justification for why we can’t achieve what we aspire to. Yet much of what we do in life is based on perceptions we create. If we believe in an obstacle more than the goal, which do you think will manifest itself? Our doubts have very little bearing on what is in fact possible, but where obstacles stand in the way lie opportunities to find new ways of accomplishing something, we find challenging or have never done before. We do this best by focusing on what can be done in that minute, hour, or day, “winning the day” as I like to say. By doing so we chip away at what we once thought impossible. By believing in the possible, rather than what is not possible, we already give ourselves the best chance to succeed no matter what lays ahead of us.
It was May 25th, 1961, when President John F. Kennedy gave his rousing speech that put in motion the US Space Program’s pursuit of putting a man on the moon. After making the plans public, there was still much doubt expressed by many of his top scientific advisors as to whether or not the feat was even possible. But President Kennedy remained steadfast in his vision that we must reach for the moon, not because it is easy as he famously stated, but because it is hard, because it is our duty as Americans to always push the boundaries of what is possible. President Kennedy knew that in order to achieve ambitiously, we must believe first in our own ambitions.
The Work from Home Revolution – and ‘Small Towns’
There’s no doubt about it. COVID-19 has greatly accelerated the trend toward ‘work from home.’ And, in so doing, millions of Americans are asking the question: Why should we be living in or near big cities – with all of the commuting, inconveniences, high costs of living and crime that often are part of the big city experience? As a result, we are on the cusp of seeing a major exodus to the countryside – and about to witness the rebirth of ‘small towns’ all across the country.
One marvelous example is my hometown of Newport, New Hampshire. Newport, like many small towns across the country, offers an invaluable part of the American experience.
Nicknamed the ‘Sunshine Town,’ Newport is a growing community where economic opportunities abound, including a skilled workforce, low cost of living, robust arts and cultural attractions, competitive tax incentives and access to world-class education and healthcare. It’s also a regional hub for a variety of industries including precision manufacturing, financial services, government, and construction.
And small towns like Newport offer an unparalleled quality of life experience for young families and adults of all ages. All such towns have their own unique attractions. In the case of Newport, there are historic homes, farmers markets and craft fairs – all inspired by true community spirit. And, four season recreational opportunities, afforded by hiking and biking trails, area ski resorts, and numerous ponds and lakes. Not to mention, the Newport Winter Carnival (the oldest in the Country), the Historic Society Museum or just a quiet walk along our "rail trails" to visit one of our beautiful covered bridges.
So, as the ‘work from home’ revolution gathers momentum across America, it’s the numerous small towns like Newport that will enjoy growth and a dynamic future. And, will give millions of Americans an opportunity to feel a sense of community – contributing to their own small towns in meaningfully important ways.
Standing up to China
Good news. There is an opportunity for our social media tech giants like Facebook and Twitter to stand strong in support of America and defend against the tactics of the Chinese Communist Party. Let me explain.
It is well known that the Chinese Communist Party is a totalitarian regime and runs a surveillance state pervasively spying on its own people. However, it has now come to light that the everyday spying for which the CCP is notorious has now reached American shores via the very popular social media app Tik Tok. After China recently passed its draconian “national security” law to suppress the freedom movement in Hong Kong, it ordered Tik Tok to begin passing data back to the state so it could better monitor its people. As it turns out the same data collection that is being used to oppress the people of Hong Kong is embedded in the American version of the app.
This has prompted a backlash from the US State Department which has actually warned users to delete the app off of their phones in a stunning rebuke of the Chinese surveillance apparatus. What is at least equally concerning is that American social media companies such as Twitter and Facebook are now considering whether they should support China by complying with requests to turn data they have about people in Hong Kong over to the Chinese Communist Party. Without question, American companies must demonstrate leadership by doing the right thing and stand up to the lawless CCP regime. American companies need to stand strong and protect the digital privacy of the people of Hong Kong.
Positive Profile of the Week: Andy Crews
I love the phrase “Achieve the American Dream.” It says so much in just a few words. The ability to follow your dreams through hard work and determination allows us to accomplish whatever we set our minds to.
With this in mind, in our profile this week, I would like to highlight someone I have grown to know and admire. Not just for the great things he has accomplished in business. But his endless support for the community he has called home for nearly 20 years and his desire to serve his country. Let me tell you a little bit more about my friend Andy Crews.
Andy is the President/CEO of the AutoFair auto group, a series of dealerships across New Hampshire and Massachusetts composed of the top car brands. Under Andy’s leadership AutoFair has grown as one of the region’s top dealerships. But business isn't just what defines Andy, it's his desire to always serve.
A Georgia native, Andy served his country in the United States Marine Corps as a mechanic. He served his country not once but twice and even fought in Operation Desert Storm. Following his military service, Andy rose through the ranks in the auto industry. From mechanic to CEO, Andy worked hard and succeeded thru a progression of positions, and when taking over ownership of the AutoFair brand, his next chapter in service began. This time for his community.
Andy is involved in several charities. From support of our veterans to small business development, Andy is on the frontlines ready to help others succeed. You cannot attend an event in NH without seeing the AutoFair name behind a cause that makes a huge difference in our community. One of the most amazing things I saw Andy’s role in the “Make the Grade Program.” Andy, along with Manchester Mayor Ted Gatsas and educational leaders, gave high school students incentives to do better in their classrooms. Students who made the honor roll were entered into a contest to win a car. Year after year Manchester’s high schools saw positive improvements in student achievement levels. What an incredible act of charity and desire to see a community strive to greatness.
New Hampshire is a better place because of Andy Crews. Andy’s hard work, success and selfless ‘giving back’ are true illustrations – giving proof that the American Dream is alive and well.
Quotes: Power of Positive Belief
“There’s nothing more important than attitude, and it’s YOUR choice.” – Mike Krzyzewski, Coach K
“To be an overachiever you have to be an over-believer.” – Dabo Swinney
“Things have a way of working themselves out if we just remain positive.” – Lou Holtz
“I don’t think anything is unrealistic if you believe you can do it.” – Mike Ditka
“Be positive. Your mind is more powerful than you think. What is down in the well comes up in the bucket. Fill yourself with positive things.” – Tony Dungy