40. Keep Things Fun.

Remember that the world has bigger problems than the daily challenges that make up our work. Stuff happens. Keep perspective. Don’t take things personally or take yourself too seriously. Laugh every day and enjoy the journey we’re on together.

Stu's Message:

“Keep Things Fun!” What a great fundamental! When I started my career in high school I worked for two hardware stores. The first one was miserable. The manager barked orders at his team and wasn’t nice to work for. Everyone hated coming to work but this was the first “real” job I had ever had, so I thought it was normal. I’m thankful to have worked there because I did meet my future wife at that job! But that was about the only good thing to happen while I was there, and I lasted about 8 months. I then had the opportunity to get a job at an amazing 100 year old hardware store that was minutes from home.

WOW, what a difference! The manager and owner were both great guys, and every day was like coming to work for the circus! Everyone there was excellent at what they did. Whether it was mixing paint, finding an odd part, or getting the stock truck put away within hours of receiving it, we had fun doing it. This place ran like clockwork and no one had to bark any orders or yell.

I was fortunate to get such an impression made on me at a young age. From my first experience, I thought that work was supposed to be miserable. Luckily, I quickly realized that was not the case. As I advanced through life and my career I have always made having fun a priority. The Famous culture promotes that as well. Famous is full of associates that Keep Things Fun. If it’s Elio doing magic tricks at a dealer meeting, Tim Kiley taking customers on a factory tour, or Jim Huber just being Jim. We all love what we do and are fortunate to be able to make it fun with great associates and customers like you!

Keep smiling at work and at home!