I hope my dad doesn't see this. He'll think it sounds like a eulogy.

It is with some hesitation that I confess to a potential worldwide audience that I didn't know what my dad's birthday was until a few years ago. I always had it "ballparked," but was never certain of the exact date.

It always landed so close to Father's Day, I just combined cards and gave him both on the second Sunday in June. Surely he appreciated my efficiency.

Then (finally!) they were both on the same day. I've had it marked on my calendar ever since.

And today's the day. Happy Birthday, Dad! In addition to the tickets to the U.S. Senior Open next month, here's a short tribute to Steve Zirkle.

1. He is one of the hardest working men I've ever known. And yes, I mean that in the present tense. Even though he's retired after 40 years in the automotive components business (good timing), he still takes on projects as diverse as church finance and coaching girls' basketball.

2. He was loyal and patient. I inherited the loyalty part, but the patience is a gene I must have missed. But in those 40 years, he only changed companies once. Which is impressive alone, but also in light of the fact that he had many opportunities to job-hop along the way. He picked his spots very well.

3. When he finally switched companies, it was a former subordinate who hired him. I think that says something about respect.

4. He defended the customer. At his retirement party, a repeated theme throughout the evening was how he looked out for his customers first and foremost. If you know me at all, you know I dig that.

Before I launched Fox Marketing Group, he would occasionally suggest that I open some type of storefront business where he could come to work now and then. Nothing managerial, he'd say, just "sweep the floors or something."

Well, I don't have a shop but I do have a couple offices, and I'm pretty sure there's a broom around here someplace...

You're welcome here anytime. Thanks, Pops.

Labels: customer centered