Happy Wednesday Everyone! Today’s Core Value is: We Create Our Future.
This morning, my thoughts are with Kevin Kehoe – a top Green Industry consultant, who changed the trajectory of my life in three different ways and played a significant role in shaping what Focal Pointe is today.
I hired Kevin as a consultant in February of 2011, and he essentially taught me how to run a business. At that time, I was just trying to delight our customers, lead with compassion, and stay afloat. Now, we’re a nationally recognized leader in the industry.
In 2014, he asked me if I’d invest in an operating software company for the landscape industry he was starting. I did, and Aspire went on to become the #1 operating software among larger companies in the industry.
Then in 2020, he encouraged me to believe more in my leadership skills and don’t be afraid to take Focal Pointe regionally. With his push, I assembled an advisory board, and we’re now working in five states and counting.
When someone changes the arc of your life, cheers you on along the way, and wants no credit for the profound impact their influence created – you either have a really good dog, a loyal loved one, or a life-long friend. In either case, they are terribly hard to say goodbye to, you never forget them, and you can’t shake the desire to thank them just one more time.
Kevin passed away four years ago today, 8.5 years after being diagnosed with stage four cancer. He was the smartest guy in any room, a battler in every sense of the word, and the impact he had on me and Focal Pointe, can’t be overstated. Even during his illness, he was the epitome of We Create Our Future.
Have a great day, and thank you Kevin for helping build the Focal Pointe we have today. John
These reflections are part of our internal Morning Messages, shared daily with the Focal Pointe team. They are meant to encourage thoughtful leadership, gratitude, and perspective as we begin the day. From time to time, we choose to share select messages here for a broader audience who values purpose-driven work, service to others, and growth from the inside out.