Be Your Best

Todd Gifford, President of DEE (left), with Dennis Albaugh (Right)

I had the opportunity recently to spend some time with Billionaire businessman Dennis Albaugh, also known as the ‘Prince of Pesticides’. Dennis is ranked the 105th Richest person in America by Forbes Magazine, and is a multi-billionaire, with a “B”. Dennis is a very smart man who founded Albaugh, Inc. in the late 1970’s, and has amassed his fortune through the development and manufacture of pesticides. So why was I hanging out with Dennis? We share a passion for old cars. Everyone’s got their hobbies and passion interests, and one of mine is old cars. I have always loved everything about old cars — their history, their stories, bringing them back to life through restoration, etc… Anyway, Dennis Albaugh happens to have created one of the nicest and largest collection of old Chevrolet Cars and Corvettes in the country. It is a private museum level collection not open to the public, but Dennis allowed me and some other car club guys to hang out at his place. I had a chance to spend a little time one on one with Dennis to talk cars, but also talked to him a little about business and life as well. One big thing I took away was ‘good guys don’t always finish last.’ When you think of what one of the Richest people in America is going to be like, you get a pretty clear and stereotypical picture and perception in your mind. Well, Dennis is not like what I expected at all. Just a super nice guy, down to earth, and very quiet and reserved — a wonderful listener as well. He is someone that you would never know that he is as rich and famous as he is if you walked right by him in the super market.  Pre-washed jean shorts, sweat shirt and ball cap on when I was with him!

The big thing I could see and feel with Dennis is that he is very passionate about a lot of things.  When you have passion, you get focused on those things you are passionate about.  And when you get focused, you get results and you achieve a lot of satisfaction and enjoyment.  Dennis and I are both passionate about old cars.  Now, he is obviously on a whole ‘nother level in this passion than I am (or make that many many levels higher), but yet he and I can connect, identify, and learn at a common level about the topic in which we are both passionate about.  He was asking me for my opinions and knowledge just as I was asking him for his.  Passion leads to focus, which leads to enjoyment.  Find and exploit all your passions!

Take Care, Todd

Todd Gifford
President
DEE Electronics