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16 FEDA News & Views By Assistant Convention Chair Keith Kidwell A few years back, I was in a meet- ing with the leadership team at Central. Everyone was asked to give one word that best described the other members of the team. One of the words that some- one used to describe me (and trust me there were several that I can't repeat) was "re-invented." At the time, it forced me to pause and refl ect. But today, I wear that description as a badge of honor after coming to the conclusion that the act of reinventing myself was not some- thing that I achieved alone. I've watched, listened and learned from many of you over the years, so many that I can't name you all. But just to show you I've been listening, I'd like to share a few specifi c examples. Coming From a Place of "Yes" Listening is becoming a lost art, and making the effort to truly understand where someone is coming from and what they're passionate about is even rarer. Tom Szafranski has mastered this. After a meeting or a get-together, he often sends a personalized handwritten note as a follow-up. While it often ends with a "thank you," what it really says is "I was listening and I understood where you were coming from." The notes make sure we're on the same page and help secure our mutual commitment to the overall success of a project. Tom comes from a place of yes, betting on highly probable success- ful outcomes without getting bogged down by crossing all of the T's attached to every rule/regulation and stipulation. Instead, it's understood that we'll fi gure out the details after a successful launch. "If it fails, we'll pull the plug and I'm counting on you to bring me your A material." From this mutual understand- ing, when one of us says "I have an idea," the other says "Let's do it." Relationships are a Two-way Street Several years ago, I was at a dinner where Central, Ace Mart, and a vendor were all in attendance. At the conclu- sion of the dinner, Paul Gustafson asked for the check. I was stunned. Afterwards, I felt compelled to help my misunder- stood friend out. I explained to Paul that manufacturers have expense accounts and it is an unspoken rule that they pick up these types of expenses. Paul smiled as I spoke and patiently waited for me to fi nish. Then, he simply shared, "relationships are a two-way street." It's not all about taking; it's a combination of give and take. It's not a strategy to get something in return. It's about doing your part in developing and growing your relationships. Ask any fi rst timer. Once you attend a FEDA Convention, you get it. There are multiple venues to meet, connect and share with distributors and channel partners of all shapes and sizes—and the sun and lush greens are a plus. Chairman of the Day Keith Kidwell used his time at the podium to highlight these value-adds and the personal growth birthed from building bonds. "Over the years," he says, "what I've come to value most about the FEDA Convention is the opportunity to learn and grow from the people who attend. Many of those encounters have turned into friendships and they've shaped who I am today." Below is an excerpt from Kidwell's speech, along with plenty of photos and a recap of this year's meeting at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort.